Erinoso's journey of setting up a computer repair business in Nigeria
Defying gender norms, a young female entrepreneur builds a thriving business, inspiring other girls to pursue opportunities in technology.
From a very young age, Erinoso always knew she wanted to work in a field that would be considered unconventional for her gender. Although she had interest in the catering business and almost resorted to following a more traditional career path, when it was time to decide what she wanted to do for work, she confidently suggested computer repair and maintenance to her parents — an unusual choice for a young girl in Nigeria, where socioeconomic barriers often hinder access to education.
In early 2022, 18-year-old Erinoso’s vision for her future began coming to life when she joined the 4tune Pride Tech Centre and crossed paths with its owner, Mrs. Ilemoboye Omowunmi, one of the few female Master Crafts at Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos. At the 4tune Pride Tech Centre, a registered workplace under the Yaba College of Technology for the National Skills Qualification (NSQ) training, Mrs. Omowunmi quickly became her inspiration and mentor, pushing her to perform far beyond the trivial tasks she originally expected. Instead of simply printing documents and operating computer systems, Erinoso found herself assembling and disassembling various types of computer systems. Fueled by the passion for learning, she rapidly progressed to formatting systems, installing software and troubleshooting.
“Choosing this trade has been rewarding in many ways,” says the now 20-year-old Erinoso.
Thanks to the skills and confidence she acquired as a Yabatech Skills Training Graduate Apprentice in Computer Hardware, Erinoso was able to establish her own computer repair business.
“As a young lady in this field, people — especially men — are often amazed and impressed by my ability to fix various computer systems. This has not only earned me respect but also attracted many customers to my business,” she says.
But this is only the beginning of her journey. As a firm believer in the power of continuous learning, Erinoso was admitted to the Federal University Oye-Ekiti and is now enrolled for the NSQ Level II certification. She is proudly able to support herself financially through university thanks to the proceeds of her computer repair business.
“My advice to girls is simple: don't let negative comments discourage you from pursuing your dreams. Be determined, be focused. If you can think it, you can win it!”
She hopes to be an inspiration to young girls in Nigeria and around the world in the same way Mrs. Omowunmi was to her.
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Yaba College of Technology is supported by the Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership (GESP) from UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and UNICEF's Generation Unlimited to equip girls and young women in Nigeria like Erinoso with high-quality, market-relevant ICT skills to thrive professionally in a rapidly evolving sector, fostering the next generation of tech leaders.
*UNICEF does not endorse any brand, company, product or service.