In a world where
disabilities often pose significant challenges to pursuing one’s goals and
convictions,
there are remarkable individuals like Murtala Shuaibu who defy the
odds. Hailing from Agbede in the Estako West Local Government Area of Edo
State, Nigeria, Murtala Shuaibu is a visually impaired mechanic who has been
fixing cars for over three decades.
Within the community of
Tugamaji, located on the Gwagwalada Expressway in Abuja, his auto workshop has
earned him the moniker of “The blind mechanic,” reflecting his
widespread recognition and popularity. However, it was a recent viral video on
TikTok that catapulted him to social media fame. Shared by one of his clients,
the video showcased the 55-year-old blind mechanic’s ability to accurately
diagnose and repair various automobile issues.
In an interview with
PUNCH, Murtala Shuaibu, a father of two who resides in Kano State, shared his
journey and the circumstances that led to his visual impairment. He recounted
how he became blind while driving a car in 1996, which initially left him
devastated. However, the encouragement and support he received from those
around him propelled him forward, reaffirming his determination to continue
working as a mechanic.
Despite losing his
sight, Murtala Shuaibu adapted his other senses, particularly hearing and
touch, to compensate for his visual impairment in order to repair cars.
Overcoming initial doubts and challenges, he trained his hands to identify and
manipulate car parts, attuned his ears to the sounds of engines to detect
faults, and relied on his sense of smell to identify car issues. With time, his
expertise grew, and he honed his sensory abilities to an impressive level.
Starting as an
apprentice to a local mechanic, Murtala Shuaibu gradually mastered the skills
required to fix automobiles. As word spread about his exceptional abilities,
his clients were astounded by his proficiency in identifying and resolving car
problems, leading them to recommend him to others.
Describing his typical
work process, Murtala Shuaibu explained how he carefully listens to the engine
sounds of a vehicle brought to him for repairs. Through the distinct noises
emitted, he can determine if there are any abnormalities and diagnose the
underlying issues. In some cases, he may request the car owner to open the
hood, where he uses his hands to investigate and locate potential faults. He
can suggest the necessary repairs and guide the clients on purchasing the
required parts. If necessary, he can even arrange for someone to buy and
install the parts on their behalf.
Despite his remarkable
achievements, Murtala Shuaibu faces challenges due to people’s skepticism and
misconceptions about his capabilities as a blind mechanic. Some individuals
find it difficult to trust him with their cars, questioning how he can diagnose
problems without visual cues. Consequently, he sometimes encounters
underpayment or disputes when explaining the necessary repairs to clients.
However, he maintains a loyal customer base, and his skills speak for
themselves. People often visit his workshop out of curiosity, witnessing
firsthand his exceptional abilities and spreading the word to others.
As a visually impaired
mechanic, Murtala Shuaibu relies on the assistance of others to navigate the
city and travel to be with his family in Kano. Living in Abuja temporarily, he
ensures he closes his workshop before dark for safety reasons. When he travels,
he usually accompanies a friend, but he occasionally depends on the kindness of
strangers to help him overcome obstacles like crossing gutters or boarding
buses.
Accommodation and
transportation pose significant challenges for Murtala Shuaibu and other
visually impaired individuals. He hopes to acquire his means of transportation
to promptly attend to clients’ car issues and dreams of owning his own
workshop, where he can work independently in an environment suitable for his
physical challenges.
In his concluding
remarks, Murtala Shuaibu encourages young people, especially those with
physical disabilities, to focus on their abilities and remain undeterred by
obstacles. He emphasizes the importance of acquiring job skills alongside
education, urging individuals with disabilities to recognize their unique gifts
and persevere despite discouragement. Murtala Shuaibu’s unwavering
determination and remarkable accomplishments serve as an inspiration to all,
showcasing the power of resilience and the triumph of the human spirit
