The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has concluded a specialised two-day digital literacy training for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The pilot program in partnership with the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) and SIMBED is implemented under the Digital Literacy for All (DL for All) initiative, marking a pivotal moment in the federal government’s mission to equip 70% of Nigerians with digital skills by 2027.
The ceremony brought together key stakeholders from the private sector and civil society, signaling a unified front in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the Director General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, the Director of Special Duties, Mr. Olawumi Oladejo, emphasised that digital transformation is incomplete if it excludes over 30 million Nigerians living with disabilities.
“At NITDA, we believe that persons with disabilities are not beneficiaries of charity, but contributors to national good,” Waladejo stated. “When empowered with the right skills, they become innovators and leaders driving productivity across all sectors,” he said.
The training focused on practical applications of technology, including the use of AI tools like Gemini for professional presentations and the integration of assistive digital technologies.
Mr. Daniel Orunkwo, MD/CEO of SIMBED, noted that the journey from a fundamental curriculum to empowering those with digital disabilities reflects a more “meaningful and inclusive” growth model for the country.
Similarly, Madam Tracy Onabisi, representing the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), lauded the energy and tenacity of the 50 pilot participants.
She urged the graduates to monetize their new skills, stating, “Access to opportunities within the digital space becomes possible when we are empowered with skills.”
One of the participants, Onyinye Eberendu said the training was the opening of a “large door of opportunity”in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
According to her “Before this time, it’s true that all of us have devices we use on a day-to-day basis. But we’ve not been able to explore all the features in the devices we hold in our hands every day.
“And because of this programme, I’ve had to understand certain features that are in the device I’m holding. And how persons with disabilities can benefit.”
“We have the deaf, we have those without hearing. And then a cluster which is physical. And especially for those that are deaf persons.”
“They have found and come to see how they can navigate their devices using these features in the devices that are very inclusive. So I am very grateful to the organisers of this Digital Literacy for All which is NITDA as well as SIMBED and IFA.”
As the pilot concludes, NITDA and its partners have signaled plans to scale the initiative across all 36 states.
The Agency called on technology developers to “design with accessibility in mind,” ensuring that future websites and platforms are compatible with screen readers and assistive tools from the outset.