The Nigerian government is committed to closing the digital divide and ensuring that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have equal opportunities to fully engage in the digital economy.
This commitment was highlighted by Mr. David Daser, President and CEO of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), during a graduation ceremony for 24 PWDs at the DBI office in Cappa-Oshodi, Lagos, on Thursday.
Mr. Daser, who spoke on behalf of the DBI, shared that these graduates completed their training under Cohort 2 of the DBI/Sightsavers IT Bridge Academy. Another 25 graduates completed their program at the Kano Campus, while the Enugu Campus is also ready to serve the eastern region of the country, in collaboration with Sightsavers.
The nine-month program equipped the graduates with skills in Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), as well as additional modules like Product Management, Digital Marketing and E-Commerce, and Data Analysis and Visualization.
Viola Askia-Usoro, the Group Head for Special Duties at DBI, represented Mr. Daser at the event. She emphasized that these newly acquired skills will empower the graduates to compete confidently in the job market and pursue their passions.
Mr. Daser also celebrated this moment as a significant achievement not only for DBI but for Nigeria as a whole, noting that the IT Bridge Academy is the second of its kind in Africa, after the one in Kenya, and is also supported by Sightsavers International.
“This milestone signifies a crucial step in empowering PWDs with the necessary skills to excel in the digital economy,” said Mr. Daser. “This celebration is a testament to the perseverance and dedication of our graduates, who have demonstrated immense determination to succeed.”
He emphasized that the academy serves as a beacon of inclusivity, committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that PWDs have the opportunities to thrive in the digital space.
Despite the progress, Mr. Daser acknowledged the ongoing challenges PWDs face, including stigma, discrimination, and limited access to training. He pointed out that disability inclusion is still a relatively new concept in Nigerian society and requires collaboration among all sectors to be fully integrated.
“To overcome these challenges, our partner, Sightsavers, has created the IT Bridge Academy, an ICT capacity-building program designed to meet the growing demand for IT skills,” he said. “We are grateful for Sightsavers’ unwavering support, which has made this transformative program possible.”
He further called on all sectors, including government, businesses, and NGOs, to create more opportunities for PWDs to engage in the digital economy, stressing the importance of continued advocacy for greater inclusion and accessibility.
As the program continues to grow, Mr. Daser assured that DBI remains committed to expanding its reach, with a focus on providing more PWDs the tools to participate in the digital revolution.
Sunday Isiyaku, Executive Director of Sightsavers, reiterated that disability should never be an obstacle to employment or financial independence. He applauded the graduates for their hard work and determination in acquiring digital skills that are crucial for today’s workforce.
“At Sightsavers, we believe that talent should define a person’s potential, not their disability,” said Isiyaku. “The IT Bridge Academy is not just an educational program—it’s a step toward economic empowerment, inclusion, and proving that everyone, regardless of disability, has the potential to succeed in today’s digital world.”
Through this program, Sightsavers and DBI are laying the foundation for a more inclusive future, where PWDs can contribute meaningfully to the digital economy.
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