By Henry Uche
Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) and Sightsavers International have empowered 25 persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other disadvantaged groups with viable digital skills through the IT Bridge Academy, aimed to boost their inclusion in the digital economy of Nigeria.
The IT Bridge Academy is the brainchild of Sightsasvers established to provide accessible, high-quality IT training to persons with disabilities, equipping them with industry-recognised certifications and pathways to employment.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony of Cohort 2 in Lagos, the President/CEO of DBI, Mr. David Daser, bemoaned the level of stigmatisation, discrimination and barriers Persons With Disabilities face which limit them from exercising their potential to actualise their dreams. The Institute with its partners took it upon itself to bridge the digital divide by creating opportunities for PWDs to participate fully in the digital economy.
“Stakeholders collaboration is required to entrench a variety of systems and approaches that would promote disability inclusion in all sectors in Nigeria. Our graduates have undergone an intensive nine months training programme, acquiring skills in Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and other supporting modules such as Product Management, Digital Marketing and E-Commerce, Data Analysis and Visualisation. These skills will enable them to compete favourably in the job market and pursue their passions with confidence”
Represented by the Head, Special Programmes at DBI, Viola Askia-Usoro, the CEO called on the government, private-sector organisations, non-governmental organisations and businesses to create opportunities for the engagement of PWDs.
Daser affirmed that DBI IT Bridge as a specialised training programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on promoting democracy, driving economic development, harnessing Nigeria’s demographic potential, and innovative capabilities.
“The programme supports this agenda by providing opportunities for youth development, capacity building, and economic growth through the tech ecosystem. President Tinubu’s administration has emphasized the importance of economic growth and job creation.
“The IT Bridge Academy contributes to this goal by providing PWDs with industry-recognized certifications, enhancing their employability and other opportunities. It also aligns with the Knowledge Pillar of the Strategic Plan of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy 2023-2027 and that of the Honourable Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani”
Expressing gratitude, the 25 participants comprising 16 females and nine males, promised to maximise the skills for national development and live a responsible life as people with potential.
Country Director for Sightsavers Nigeria, Dr Joy Shu’aibu, emphasised the importance of digitalisation as a tool for inclusion and stressed that Sightsavers’ advocacy for an inclusive society is a sustainable one.
She acknowledged the challenges Nigeria faces in achieving widespread disability inclusion saying: “As a nation, we have a long way to go. These are baby steps for us, but we are encouraged by the presence of the National Commission for Persons with Disability and the growing commitment from the private sector to make workplaces inclusive for PWDs.”
Dr Shuaibu sued for sustained efforts to equip PWDs with skills that make them employable while advocating for systemic changes that foster inclusion.
Similarly, Cohort 2 representative, Amos Adeboyega, recounted the challenges faced by the participants and the triumph they achieved through resilience. “We faced many challenges. Some of us doubted whether we could truly navigate through these parts. The journey seemed long, and we weren’t sure if we could overcome the obstacles ahead.”