DBI Empowers Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria

Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing; follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates. Click to Follow us

The Federal Government’s Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) has taken a significant step towards bridging Nigeria’s digital divide by graduating its second cohort of persons with disabilities (PWDs) from a nine-month IT training program. This milestone marks a crucial effort to empower PWDs with critical digital skills and industry-recognised certifications.

For further information, read more details here

A total of 49 PWDs, comprising 24 from DBI’s Lagos campus and 25 from its Kano campus, successfully completed the training. The institute’s IT Bridge Academy, designed specifically for PWDs, provides tailored curricula and specialised support to help participants acquire essential skills for the modern digital economy.

According to DBI, the graduation ceremony was executed in partnership with Sightsavers International and is only the second of its kind in Africa, following a similar initiative in Kenya. The initiative aims to dismantle barriers, combat exclusion, and create pathways for PWDs to thrive in the technology sector

At the Lagos graduation ceremony, DBI’s President and Chief Executive Officer, David Daser, represented by Viola Askia-Usoro, stated, “Today is a momentous occasion for the DBI family. It is not just about completing a course; it is about the transformation of lives and opening doors to a future full of opportunity in the digital space.”

Daser highlighted the challenges PWDs often face, including stigma, discrimination, and limited access to training opportunities. He emphasised that initiatives like the IT Bridge Academy help level the playing field by equipping PWDs with skills that foster personal and professional growth.

“This academy is not just about education; it’s about creating opportunities for PWDs to realise their full potential,” Daser added.

Daser urged the graduates to become advocates for inclusion and accessibility in the digital world. “You are now ambassadors for change. Your contributions will inspire others and show what is possible when barriers are dismantled.”

He also called on public and private sector stakeholders to collaborate in creating a more inclusive digital economy.

Amos Adegboyega, Cohort 2 Class Governor, spoke on behalf of the graduates, recounting the initial difficulties they faced during the program. “They gave us hope that there are abilities in disability to make us achieve our dreams.”

DBI reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the IT Bridge Academy to reach more PWDs, ensuring they are not left behind in Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it. 
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.