What this actually does: Tells you if that online course, certification, or training program will actually pay for itself, or if you’re about to waste money on something that looks good on paper but won’t change your bank account.

Why you’re here: Instagram ads are selling you courses. LinkedIn is full of people with certificates. Your friends are “upskilling.” You don’t want to be left behind but you also don’t have money to waste. This calculator removes the guesswork.

How to fill it out:

Course cost is first. ₦150,000 for that data analytics course. ₦80,000 for the digital marketing program. ₦300,000 for the coding bootcamp. Whatever it is, put the real number including any “payment plans” that actually cost more.

Time to complete matters because time is money. A 6-month program means 6 months before you can start earning from the skill. A 2-week intensive means you could be making money by next month. Be realistic about your pace.

Current monthly salary sets the baseline. What you’re earning now is what you’re trying to beat. If you’re on ₦200,000 currently, that’s your starting point.

Expected salary increase is where most people lie to themselves. “I’ll definitely get 50% raise after this course.” Will you though? Research what people in that field actually make after the training. Tech skills? 25-40% increase is realistic. Digital marketing? Maybe 15-25%. Language skills? Depends heavily on application.

Skill type affects everything. Tech and programming skills have crazy ROI right now in Nigeria. Design and creative pay well if you’re good. Business and finance are steady. Marketing is saturated but still viable. Certifications in regulated industries (accounting, project management) can be game-changers. Language skills are great if you’re targeting international remote work.

The calculator’s verdict: Is That Course Actually Worth It?

ROI percentage tells you if it’s worth it. Above 300%? That course is basically printing money. 150-300%? Solid investment. 50-150%? Okay but not amazing. Below 50%? Think very carefully or pick a different skill.

Break-even time is crucial. If it says 18 months to recover your investment, you need to be committed for at least 2 years. If you’re the type to take courses and never apply them, this matters.

3-year gain shows the real benefit. Most courses don’t pay off immediately. The magic happens when that skill compounds over time.

New potential salary is your motivation. If you’re making ₦200k now and the calculator shows ₦320k after the skill, that’s real money that changes your life.

Real scenario: Data analytics course costs ₦150,000. Takes 4 months to complete. Current salary ₦200,000 monthly. Expected increase 30% (conservative for Nigerian tech market). Skill type: Tech. Calculator shows: ROI of 528%, break-even in 5 months, 3-year gain of ₦2.16M, new salary ₦260,000 monthly. That’s not just worth it, that’s mandatory.

Red flag scenario: “Social media management mastery” course costs ₦80,000. Takes 2 months. Current salary ₦150,000. Expected increase 10% (because everyone and their cousin is a “social media manager”). Calculator shows: ROI of 90%, break-even in 14 months, 3-year gain of ₦540k. Not terrible, but you could probably learn most of it free on YouTube.

Bottom line: Don’t take courses because they’re trending. Take them because the math makes sense for your specific situation. This calculator keeps you honest.