The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) and Sightsavers have equipped 25 persons with disabilities (PWDs) with digital skills, aiming to boost their inclusion in the digital economy.
The IT Bridge Academy is a pioneering initiative by Sightsasvers to provide accessible, high-quality IT training to persons with disabilities, equipping them with industry-recognised certifications and pathways to employment.
Hence, 25 participants comprising 16 females and nine males earned CCNA certifications to further promote gender equality within the tech industry.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Lagos, DBI President, David Daser, lauded the achievements of Cohort 2 graduates, describing the programme’s mission to empower persons with disabilities with critical skills to excel in the digital economy.
He said, “Today is a joyous occasion for the DBI family as we celebrate the graduation of Cohort Two. This momentous occasion acknowledges the hard work and perseverance of our participants, who have completed their training.”
Daser, who spoke through the head of special duties, DBI, Viola Askia-Nsoro, affirmed the DBI’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and fostering opportunities for PWDs, describing the academy as “a beacon of hope and inclusivity in Africa.”
He narrated that over the nine-month programme, graduates acquired critical certifications, including Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), alongside modules such as Product Management, Digital Marketing, E-Commerce, Data Analysis and Visualisation.
“These skills will enable our graduates to compete favourably in the job market and pursue their passions with confidence,” Daser added.
While noting that PWDs continue to face barriers such as stigma, discrimination, and limited access to training opportunities.
He stressed the importance of collective action to embed systems and approaches that promote disability inclusion across Nigeria.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded that there is still much work to be done. We must continue advocating for greater inclusion and accessibility in the digital economy for PWDs and other disadvantaged groups,” he said.
Daser, however, called on the government to help alleviate the plight of PWDs through policy formations while urging the graduates to use their newly acquired knowledge to foster change.
“I charge you to go out and make a difference. Be ambassadors for inclusion and accessibility. Remember that you are part of a community that believes in you and is committed to supporting you every step of the way,” he encouraged.
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 not new.
“This is not the first step that Sightsavers has taken toward ensuring an inclusive future. For 72 years in Nigeria, we have worked to embed inclusivity across systems that matter, such as education and employment. For example, we focus on ensuring that children with disabilities receive basic education as a foundation,” she noted.
She further acknowledged the challenges Nigeria faces in achieving widespread disability inclusion. “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 called for sustained efforts to equip PWDs with skills that make them employable while advocating for systemic changes that foster inclusion.
“Our focus has always been ensuring that persons with disability are not just in employment but have the skills required to succeed. The private sector’s collaboration is key in achieving this,” she added.
Similarly, Cohort 2 representative, Amos Adeboyega, recounted the challenges faced by the participants and the triumph they achieved through perseverance.
“When we started, 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.
“Today, as we stand tall in this hall, we can proudly say that we’ve made it to the top,” he said.
