By Suad Ayinla
Edited by Bababunmi Agbebi
Who says the tools of phone repair belong only in the hands of men? In Ikeja’s Computer Village, some young women are quietly challenging that assumption by learning how to diagnose faulty devices, replace damaged screens, fix charging problems and handle the delicate technical work that keeps Lagos connected.
Computer Village is widely known for selling phones, computers and accessories, but repair work is equally central to its economy. Behind the busy shops and crowded streets are technicians working on smartphones, laptops, tablets and other devices, turning practical skills into a source of income in a city where many young people are searching for dependable livelihoods.
For the women entering the trade, the journey can involve long hours of observation, hands-on training and the courage to work in a male-dominated environment. Some begin by handling simple tasks such as software installation, screen replacement or battery changes before progressing to more complex repairs, while others combine repairs with the sale of phones and accessories.
The work is not without its challenges. Female technicians may have to overcome doubts from customers, limited access to equipment, pressure to prove their competence and the risk of damaging expensive devices, but training opportunities are gradually opening up. Recent programmes have included instruction for girls in computer repairs, GSM and phone repairs, mobile-app development and other technology skills, while local instructors in Computer Village have encouraged more female participation.
As more women gain confidence in phone and computer repairs, their presence could change how the market is viewed by customers and aspiring technicians. These women are not merely fixing cracked screens or faulty charging ports; they are building careers, supporting themselves and showing other girls that technology can be a practical path to independence so, the next time your phone breaks in Computer Village, will you look beyond the familiar male technician and give a skilled woman a chance?
