The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has trained a new cohort of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in essential digital skills, as part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to promote inclusive participation in the country’s growing digital economy.
The training programme, delivered in partnership with Innovate for All (IFA) and SIMBED, is aimed at equipping PwDs with practical digital competencies that enable meaningful participation in technology-driven sectors, regardless of physical ability.
Speaking on behalf of NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, the agency’s Director of Special Duties, Mr Oladejo Olawunmi, said the initiative reflects a deliberate shift from viewing PwDs as beneficiaries of support to recognising them as contributors to national productivity.
The Director described “the participants as champions and ambassadors of digital inclusion”, encouraging them to apply their skills and share knowledge within their communities.
What You Should Know
According to Olawunmi, access to the right digital tools and training has the potential to transform PwDs into entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders capable of driving economic growth across multiple sectors.
The programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places inclusivity at the centre of national development priorities.
Olawunmi noted that inclusive digital empowerment is critical to ensuring that no segment of the population is left behind as Nigeria advances its digital transformation goals.
He stressed that when accessibility and intentional design are built into digital initiatives, PwDs are not only able to participate but can excel in technology-focused roles and industries.
The graduates are expected to serve as advocates for digital inclusion, promoting awareness of how accessible technology can unlock economic opportunities for persons living with disabilities.
Bridging Nigeria’s Digital Divide
As Nigeria continues to invest in digital skills development and innovation, initiatives such as this highlight the importance of equity and accessibility in building a sustainable tech ecosystem.
By focusing on underserved groups, experts say NITDA aims to narrow existing digital divides and create pathways for broader participation in the digital economy.
The latest training marks another milestone in the agency’s efforts to foster a tech-enabled economy where innovation and leadership are accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of physical ability.
Talking Points
It is encouraging that NITDA is prioritising digital skills development for Persons with Disabilities, signalling a more inclusive approach to Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
This initiative moves beyond symbolic inclusion, positioning PwDs as active contributors to the digital economy through practical, employable skills.
At Techparley, we see programmes like this as critical to closing long-standing digital access gaps, particularly for communities that have historically been excluded from technology-led growth.
The alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda underscores the role of inclusive policy in ensuring that digital development benefits a broad cross-section of society.
However, sustained impact will depend on continuity and scale. Long-term success will require follow-up support, access to tools, and pathways into employment or entrepreneurship.
As these newly trained participants return to their communities as ambassadors of inclusion, the programme offers a model for how accessible digital empowerment can translate into national productivity and innovation.
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