Kano – The Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) joined global efforts in commemorating the 2025 World Day for Assistive Technology with a vibrant event held at the Special Education School, Tudun Maliki, Kano. The celebration brought together stakeholders, educators, policymakers, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to spotlight the transformative role of assistive technology in enhancing inclusion and empowerment.
The highlight of the event was a keynote address delivered by Dr. Binta Bala, Director of the Persons with Disabilities Department at the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs. In her presentation titled “Assistive Devices, Economic Empowerment, and Persons with Disabilities,” Dr. Bala emphasized the critical role of assistive devices in education, mobility, and communication for PWDs. She acknowledged the ongoing challenges—especially the high cost and limited availability of these technologies—and reaffirmed government commitment to expanding access across the state.
A dynamic panel discussion followed, moderated by Hon. Yusuf Sharada, Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on ICT. Panelists, who represented various disability clusters, shared personal experiences and proposed solutions to improve access to assistive tools such as auto wheelchairs, hearing aids, magnification glasses for persons with albinism, and screen readers for the visually impaired.
Key challenges raised included the unaffordability of many devices and the need for sustained public awareness. Participants called on government bodies, development partners, and civil society to increase investments in assistive technology and digital skills training.
In a significant commitment, Hamza Aminu Fagge, CITAD’s PWDs Coordinator, announced plans to conduct Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions on assistive technology for teachers in special education schools across Kano. This move aims to enhance educators’ capacity to support inclusive learning environments.
The event also featured powerful contributions from young persons with disabilities, who shared insights on how technology has shaped their educational and personal journeys.
Notable attendees included Malam Tijjani Haladu, Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) in Kano; Hon. Usman Yusuf, former Special Adviser to the Kano State Government; and Ibrahim Umar Abdulkharim, Vice Principal and Education Committee Chair of the Nigeria Association of the Blind.
The celebration concluded with a renewed call for inclusive policies, greater collaboration, and a united push toward a more accessible and equitable future for PWDs in Kano and beyond.
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