‘My parents don’t believe I am a taxi driver’

Chiwendu Nwankwo is studying Biochemistry at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State. The 400-Level part-time student ekes out a living by driving a commercial cab on the campus. 

Can you tell us about your educational background?

I grew up in Asaba, where I still reside. And I love to do activities men do. I attended Asaba Girls’ Grammar School. I was the captain of the school’s female football team. Now, I am a student of Continuing Education Programme (CEP), which is known as part-time programme in UNIZIK. I am also the General Secretary of my departmental association.

Driving for commercial purpose is considered a man’s job. Why did you develop interest in it?

I like driving. When I was young, to the surprise of my family and neighbours, I would drive my parents’ car to far distances. I love to be different all the time by doing things, which people consider unsuitable for women.

At what point did you start driving a taxi?

It was when my aunt, who had financial challenge, needed money and converted her car to a cab. She needed a commercial driver that would drive the car and bring money every day. Out of pity, I took the car to school with the hope of getting a dependable driver for the purpose. Sadly, I discovered that no student was interested. After a few weeks, I started considering driving the car myself. The thought of being branded a taxi driver scared me at first. But one day, I told myself I could do it, being a part time student. That was when I resolved to become a taxi driver. I told my parents of the decision. Till today, they still don’t believe I drive a taxi. They believe it is a joke.

What were the challenges you faced when you decided to take to taxi driving?

I was advised against it. Most of my friends scoffed at the idea and refused to support me. Some even threatened to stop being friends with me if I remained adamant. They saw it as unbefitting for a young woman like me. Again, I feared the work would affect my academic performance adversely. However, I was motivated by the desire to fulfil my promise to my aunt, and to earn a living for myself.

So, when you began, how was the experience?

I started after I registered and painted the car in UNIZIK taxi colour. On the first day, I went to the bus stand and joined the queue with other drivers, most of whom were older men. They did not believe me. Some of them even mocked my intentions. Even students thought I was joking when I called for passengers into my taxi. That first day, it was difficult getting passengers, so I thought I could not go far in the business. A few days later, I enjoyed patronage from students, who were surprised a girl could be driving a commercial cab. Some took my pictures and uploaded on Facebook. Gradually, the business became encouraging and that was when it dawned on me that I had become a taxi driver.

Have you overcome the challenges of being a taxi driver?

As challenges are solved, new challenges come. My friends, who did not buy the idea, now encourage me. Even my lecturers and passengers praise my effort. I drive from 8am to 4pm. Most days, my car, being an aged one, would break down on the road, with passengers in it. This is where the other drivers come in. They have been helpful in such cases.

What values have you learnt from driving a taxi?

I have learnt about human relationship. To me, there is nothing like a male’s job or men’s profession. What matters is conviction that one can do what he or she desires and derives joy from it. I have come across women photographers, contractors, engineers and petty workers. I believe that there is dignity in labour and whatever anyone conceives; he or she can achieve, irrespective of gender. I am convinced that Nigeria will soon have a female president. I advise women to do what they have resolved to do. Good or bad, people will always laugh at them but they must never do anything to please people.

TalkOfNaija