Some mobile repair technicians in Dutse, Jigawa, have advocated a vocational skills development programme to enhance their operations and encourage trade growth.

Phone repair is gaining popularity as an alternative source of livelihood for youths in the area.

A cross-section of the technicians said this in separate interviews on Thursday in Dutse.

Usman Idris, a phone repair technician, said the trade provided him with technical skills, income-generating opportunities, and avenues for training apprentices.

He described phone repair as a viable pathway to self-reliance and economic empowerment.

Mr Idris recalled acquiring the skills in Kano and later moving to Dutse, where he found more opportunities.

He said the money gained from trade enabled him to further pursue Islamic and formal education.

“After coming to Dutse for Islamic studies, I decided to utilise the skills I learnt instead of depending entirely on my parents.

“Today, the phone repair trade supports my education and livelihood. I also have two apprentices undergoing training under my supervision,” he said.

According to Mr Idris, phone repair is a knowledge-based trade that requires proper training and discipline.

He warned against the activities of unqualified practitioners, stressing that technicians operate within established guidelines to minimise disputes and improve service delivery.

Another technician, Hassan Sale, said the profession had enabled him to acquire additional skills beyond phone repair, including servicing power banks, Bluetooth devices and other accessories.

Mr Sale, however, identified customers’ perceptions of the repair charge as one of the major challenges facing the trade.

“Some customers watch the repair process and assume it is easy, and when billed, they feel it is too much for what they consider a simple task,” he said.

Also, Abdulkarim Muhammad said the profession continues to provide opportunities for youths willing to learn and engage in productive activities.

He said the technicians have developed a strong culture of cooperation and collective responsibility that encourages growth of the trade.

“If a customer’s phone is mistakenly exchanged or lost, technicians contribute money collectively to compensate the owner.

“That spirit of unity has strengthened trust among practitioners and customers alike,” he said.

Mr Muhammad expressed the hope of establishing his own workshop to create opportunities for more youths.

He also urged the Jigawa government to support vocational skills development, adding that “phone repair is a viable means of youth empowerment.”

A customer, Bello Mukhtar, commended the technicians for their professionalism and reliability.

“I have been patronising phone technicians here for a long time, and I’ve never had any problem with them,” he said.

(NAN)