The federal government's Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) has trained and graduated 49 persons with disabilities (PWDs) from a nine-month IT programme aimed at bridging Nigeria's digital divide.
The graduates, comprising 24 from DBI's Lagos campus and 25 from its Kano campus, acquired industry-recognized certifications and essential digital skills to enhance their participation in the tech sector.
The IT Bridge Academy, a federal government initiative designed to support PWDs, provides specialized training to help them access opportunities in the modern digital economy. The programme was implemented in partnership with Sightsavers International and is only the second of its kind in Africa, after a similar initiative in Kenya.
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At the Lagos graduation ceremony, DBI's president and CEO, David Daser, represented by the institute's head of special duties, Viola Askia-Usoro, described the initiative as a major step towards digital inclusion.
"This academy is not just about education; it's about creating opportunities for PWDs to realize their full potential," he stated, highlighting the programme's role in tackling stigma, discrimination, and limited access to training.
Daser urged the graduates to advocate for digital accessibility and called on public and private sector stakeholders to support inclusive initiatives that empower PWDs in Nigeria's technology space.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, cohort 2 class governor Amos Adegboyega acknowledged the challenges they faced during the programme and expressed gratitude for the support received, saying, "There are abilities in disability, and this training has given us the confidence to achieve our dreams."
