Sightsavers Nigeria has trained and certified 25 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in core IT skills through its IT Bridge Academy, enhancing their employability in the country’s growing digital sector.
The graduates—16 females and nine males—completed their training at the Lagos campus of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) and were celebrated in a colourful ceremony on Thursday, March 27.
Speaking at the graduation of the second cohort, President of the Digital Bridge Institute, Mr. David Daser, represented by Head of Special Programmes, Viola Askia Usoro, commended the graduates for their dedication.
Daser urged the graduates to apply their newly acquired skills in driving positive change in their communities.
“To our graduates of the DBI IT Bridge Academy, I charge you to go out and make a difference. Use your knowledge to create positive change, be ambassadors for inclusion and accessibility, and always remember that you are part of a community that believes in you,” he said.
The Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria, Dr. Joy Shu’aibu, reiterated the organization’s commitment to inclusion through digital empowerment.
She stated that for 72 years in Nigeria, Sightsavers has worked to embed inclusivity across key systems such as education and employment noting that its focus is not just on placing PWDs in jobs but also ensuring they have the skills to succeed.
However, she acknowledged that challenges remain in achieving full disability inclusion in Nigeria.
“As a nation, we still have a long way to go. These are baby steps, but we are encouraged by the presence of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and growing private-sector commitment to inclusive workplaces.”
At the event, Head of Learning and Development at DBI, Emeka Nzeih, highlighted the systemic barriers PWDs face in accessing specialized training.
“Persons with disabilities remain a neglected sector of society. Among them are highly intelligent individuals who struggle to access training of this nature. DBI, in partnership with Sightsavers, is committed to changing that narrative.”
A representative of the graduating cohort, Amos Adeboyega, expressed gratitude to Sightsavers, DBI, and MTN for their support during the nine-month training.
He called on the government and private sector to provide opportunities for graduates to apply their skills through internships and job placements.
“When we started, we faced many challenges. Some of us doubted if we could navigate this journey. But today, we stand tall, knowing we have conquered. We urge the government and private sector to create pathways for us to use our training meaningfully,” he said.
Adeboyega and his deputy, Serena White, encouraged their peers to spread awareness about the IT Bridge Academy so that more PWDs could benefit from the initiative.
The graduating students each received CCNA and DBI certificates, expressing optimism about their future prospects.
“The program has transformed our lives. Many of us started with little or no IT experience, but today we have gained valuable skills to compete in the job market. We are ready to work, contribute, and make a difference,” they said.