22-year-old female mechanic, Ganiyu Olawunmi Adijat continues to thrive in a male-dominated profession with the support of her family and friends. In this chat with Tobi Adebayo, correspondent, makeitglobal.biz, the native of Oyo state, talks about her journey into the automobile repair business and the challenges that come with it.

What inspired you to become a mechanic?

After I completed my secondary school education in 2013/2014, I gained admission into Ibadan Polytechnic in 2014/2015. That same year, my father became so ill that my mother had to sell most of her personal belongings, including the land that my father owned, just to make sure that he stayed alive.

I had no one to pay my acceptance fee not to talk of school fees so I had to apply for casual work at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in 2014 to enable me to make ends meet. Unfortunately, I got my first salary during the second month of resumption and the school portal was already closed. I had no choice but to change my full-time admission to a part-time programme because I really wanted to go to school. I applied for Science and Laboratory Technology but was given Mechanical Engineering.

I was combining my work at IITA with academics. My contract ended at IITA after I completed my academic project in 2016/2017 because I spent three years in school for my National Diploma (ND). Throughout the three years I spent in school, I was squatting with friends because I couldn’t afford to pay house rent.

After obtaining my National Diploma, I could not afford to continue paying my school fees and I didn’t want to go into prostitution so I decided to practise at a mechanic workshop so I could practise the vocation. since then I have been assisting my family from my little savings.

How long have you been doing this?

I have been on this journey since 2017 till date

What were the reactions like at first from your parents, friends, and others who felt you could have done something more different?

My parents supported my decision from start to date. A few friends supported me at the beginning while many of them never did. But my mind was already made up and I was focused on my decision.

How challenging is the job?

It is a very challenging job because you will experience and tolerate all sorts from customers, whether good or bad. Also, you have to be open to learning every day because more advanced cars are built every day. You have to seek more knowledge and training on how to use some modern tools, else, it would be very difficult for you to progress as a mechanic.

One has to also be always very careful to avoid sustaining injuries while at work, some of which could be life-threatening.

What reactions do you get when you introduce yourself as a mechanic?

I get a lot of positive reactions. People are always very surprised and a lot of them do not believe me until they see me while at work. It is something I have gotten used to.

Do you feel any form of discrimination since this is mostly a male-dominated job?

Not at all. Instead, I get more inspired every day. The love and encouragement I get from people have always kept me extra motivated.

How do you handle the attention you get while at work?

I always focus more on improving my skills and avoid being distracted by the attention I am always getting. I always remind myself the reason I decided to be a mechanic so it keeps me focused

Are there any brands you specialise in?

I specialize more in German Cars, American Cars and Japanese Cars.

Do you have any advice for females who are afraid to make that major move?

My advice is that as humans, we must have it at the back of our minds that life is all about choices. Every choice we make will determine what happens to the person next. We should not be afraid to make certain decisions that will be good for our own upliftment. We have to always make positive moves because there is no limit to what we can achieve as females.

https://www.makeitglobal.biz/careers/olawunmi-ganiyu-female-mechanic/


cc 1forall, Crazyman

oh nice

where's her workshop ?

I wan her to service my ' propeller

.

majamajic:
where's her workshop ?

I wan her to service my ' propeller

Her Instagram handle is @omolabake_mech

Those shoes. There's just something about them.

Well-done babe.