The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has concluded a two-day digital literacy training designed specifically for persons with disabilities (PWDs), marking a significant step towards inclusive national development.
The pilot programme, organised in collaboration with the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) and SIMBED, was implemented under the Digital Literacy for All (DL4All) initiative. It supports the Federal Government’s target of ensuring that at least 70 per cent of Nigerians acquire basic digital skills by 2027.
The closing ceremony drew participation from representatives of the private sector and civil society organisations, underscoring broad support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusion and shared prosperity.
Representing the Director-General of NITDA, the Director of Special Duties, Mr Olawumi Oladejo, said meaningful digital transformation cannot be achieved if millions of Nigerians living with disabilities are left behind. He stressed that PWDs should be recognised as active contributors to national growth when provided with the right tools and opportunities.
The training programme exposed participants to practical digital skills, including the use of artificial intelligence applications such as Gemini for professional presentations, alongside assistive technologies that enhance accessibility and productivity.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SIMBED, Mr Daniel Orunkwo, described the initiative as a shift from basic digital instruction to a more purposeful model that empowers people with disabilities to fully participate in the digital economy.
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Also speaking, Madam Tracy Onabisi, who represented the Inclusive Friends Association, commended the commitment and determination displayed by the 50 participants selected for the pilot phase. She encouraged them to leverage their newly acquired skills for income generation and career advancement in the growing digital space.
One of the participants, Onyinye Eberendu, described the training as a turning point that broadened her understanding of the capabilities embedded in everyday digital devices. She explained that the programme demonstrated how accessibility features can support people with hearing and physical impairments to navigate technology more effectively and independently.
Following the successful completion of the pilot, NITDA and its partners announced plans to expand the initiative to all 36 states of the federation. The agency also called on technology developers to prioritise accessibility by designing digital platforms that are compatible with screen readers and other assistive tools from the outset, ensuring that no group is excluded from Nigeria’s digital future.
