A Barber In Nigeria And His Burden.

The barbering trade is a noble one. In point of fact, it is one of the oldest professions in the world.

In the United States of America, Asia and Europe, the above statement is correct. However, in Nigeria, the reference to barbering as a noble profession may be disputed by many.

The word barber comes from the latin word 'Barba', meaning beard. In the olden days when primitivism held sway, the barber was a foremost man of his tribe. He was reputedly acclaimed in performing medical surgery with his barbering tools.

In ancient Egypt, barbers were prosperous and highly respected. In fifth century Greece, barbers became the leading citizens. The barber shop of ancient Greece was the headquarters of social, political and sporting news.

Till today in Nigeria, the barbers' is a clearing house of sorts for people with all kinds of opinions, backgrounds, inclinations, sentiments etc. People with diverse political, religious, social and cultural views gather, chatter and mingle. The barber shop is a leveller where information is shared at lightening speed, the recent internet experience not withstanding.

We may want to ask, why does such a trade not attract responsible graduates in the society as practitioners? Why is the reputation of an average barber low? Why is he seldom not respected in the society?

The average barber in Nigeria however is to be blamed for the lack in respect he experiences and suffers in society. In Nigeria the barber is regarded as a layabout, never do well, tout, one with low mentality and therefore unqualified for any rigorous academics.

As the saying goes, "before people decide on what they think about your message they first decide on what they think of you". This author, a 1992 graduate in Mass Communication, has owned and operated a barbering salon for almost thirty years, and can attest to the demeaning attitude of some barber shop patrons towards barbers.

Certain reasons may be adduced for the image burden the barber carries in this society. Mostly self inflicted.

First, the average barber is barely educated. This is changing anyway, as chronic unemployment has made some educated youth join the trade. This influx remains frustration induced. Hitherto, the trade was populated largely with school dropouts who can hardly command respect from their patrons and the public.

Second, the only criteria a barber needs to meet before practicing in Nigeria is undergo apprenticeship under a master barber if he wishes. Most are self proclaimed barbers, they don't bother to go that route. Pronto, they purchase a clipper and commence business, offering cheap and unprofessional service.

In the United States of America and Europe, there are government approved institutions that award Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees in barbering. Graduates register with a body charged with the regulation and control of the business. The body evaluates the qualifications of applicants for licensure and gants license to those deserving of it.

Third, very few persons become full-time barbers by choice in Nigeria. Most barbers are so until they can find another better paying and ' respectable ' job. There is low self esteem among practitioners. This is of serious concern as the profession is seriously endangered.

Fourth, the rush for white collar and corporate office jobs and it's inherent advantages have made barbering a less fancied trade in Nigeria. Perhaps in government employment, there is a work approach of more pleasure and less work.

"The attitude in civil service negates supervision, work evaluation and increases stagnation."...... Anonymous.

But, the attraction remains a hunger for fraud, and the lure of a system that crucifies hard work, efficiency and merit.

Who wouldn't go for it?
( Apologies to results driven, dynamic and properly cultured technocrats in the civil and public service).

A barber will need to put effective work hours to earn a reasonable income. If he doesn't work he doesn't earn.

Fifth, It necessarily follows therefore that the society views everyone in this 'lowly' trade called barbering as one without an ambition financially speaking. One who thus deserves very little in terms of renumeration.

Consider this scenario; a man brought his son for a haircut in a salon, on realizing the fee is 300 naira, he storms out with his kid in anger and disgust declaring the fee 'unaffordable'. In minutes he walks the kid to a supermarket across the street and buys him chocolates and ice cream worth about a 1,000 naira.

Sixth, the prostrate lying economy of Nigeria have diminished the worth of most barbers. Looking good and well groomed may not be the priority cum immediate concern of a jobless, hungry and homeless Nigerian.

Seventh, regular Power and Energy supply is a basic requirement in the business of hair barbering. Nigeria's economy is generator driven. Suffice to say that all the money, time and effort the barber puts in fueling and constantly maintaining his generating set, could be put into some better us. Alternate investment and business expansion are examples. Quite unfortunate for barbers, his patrons hardly understand and consider his frustrations when he adjusts his fee upwards.

However, even in the face of these challenges, this author makes bold to say that a barber is in a privileged business. He is amongst the very few people who can 'command' his Excellency the President, Governor, Ambassador or King to bend over properly and he will promptly obey. Yes, he must obey. He is compelled to because he desires an excellent haircut. That may be 'control' albeit temporal.

I adjure young barbers that I train and mentor to cultivate a responsible personality so they can change the narratives and attitude of society towards barbers and their trade.

A barber can and should be well educated. A barber can and should be a wealthy, influential, responsible and respectable member of the society he lives in. To achieve all these and more he must be genuine and love his trade. Once he is passionate in what he does he is bound to succeed.

This author has in his near thirty years in professional barbering had about twenty five years of work relationship with foreigners living in Nigeria, especially Indians and Chinese.

Indians have the highest level of care for their hair and respect for the barber who grooms it. They pay barbers fairly well not because it's financially convenient but because their culture makes them regard barbers as important persons in their lives.

My experiences has reinforced my belief in the simple fact that patrons of barber shops are particular on where they get a haircut, who gives it, and the conduct of the barber.