*David Daser, President/CEO of the Digital Bridge Institute, emphasises the Institute’s commitment to fostering digital inclusion through specialised skills training programmes, urging more stakeholder collaborations to enhance inclusion of Persons With Disabilities in the Nigerian ecosystem

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

As part of efforts at ensuring digital inclusion of all categories of consumers in the ecosystem, the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has restated its commitment to bridging the digital divide for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

绿帽献妻 reports the DBI disclosed it has successfully graduated 48 individuals from its IT bridge academy in Lagos and Kano respectively.

The Digital Bridge Institute is wholly owned by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Established 2004 as the training arm of the NCC, DBI which aims to address digital divide through ICT/digital training initiatives, has been at the forefront of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) education in the country.

In his address at the graduation ceremony in Lagos, Mr. David Daser, President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Institute, emphasised the DBI dedication to fostering digital inclusion through specialised training programmes.

Daser, represented on the occasion by Viola Askia-Usoro, Group Head, Special Duties of DBI, urged both public and private sector stakeholders to collaborate in sustaining the Academy鈥檚 mission of empowering PWDs with in-demand ICT skills.

Launch of DBI鈥檚 Global Certificate Licensing programme

The Nigerian Government recently launched the Digital Bridge Institute’s Global Certificate Licensing programme.

The programme launch, which held March 4, 2025, on the DBI Lagos Campus, in the South-West region, is regarded as a significant step towards addressing the country鈥檚 growing digital skills gap.

The DBI initiative with the theme, 鈥淓mpowering Talent, Certifying Excellence, Transforming Industries”, was designed to equip individuals, particularly young Nigerians and organisations, with the required skills and certifications to excel in the fast-paced global digital economy.

On power of inclusivity in Nigeria Digital Economy

Akin Ogunlade, Head of Public Affairs Unit, Thursday, March 27, in a statement quoted the President/CEO of DBI to have said of the PWDs鈥� graduation ceremony in Lagos: 鈥淭his milestone is not just a celebration of our graduates鈥� achievements but a testament to the power of inclusivity in the digital economy.

鈥淲e call on government agencies, corporate organisations, and development partners to support this initiative and expand its reach across Nigeria.鈥�

Highlighting modules of the specialised skills training programme for the PWDs, the DBI said the 9-month training programme was implemented in collaboration with Sightsavers International.

The statement also disclosed the skills training initiative equipped the participants with globally-recognised certifications, such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and skills in digital marketing, e-commerce, data analysis, and product management.

Daser further explained that the IT Bridge Academy aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda, which the Institute noted “prioritises economic empowerment, job creation, and inclusive growth.”

He stated: 鈥淏y providing PWDs with industry-recognised certifications and ICT skills, this initiative contributes to the government鈥檚 vision of a digitally skilled workforce that drives national development.”

Disabilities not a barrier to economic independence: Isiyaku, Director of 聽Sightsavers

In his remarks at the graduation ceremony, Sunday Isiyaku, Executive Director of Sightsavers International, also affirmed that disability should never be a barrier to employment or economic independence in Nigeria.

Isiyaku averred: 鈥淭he IT Bridge Academy is more than just a training programme; it鈥檚 an avenue for economic empowerment and proving that talent, not disability, should define opportunities.”

The Head of Public Affairs noted as DBI continues to drive digital empowerment for marginalised groups in the country, the Institute is expanding its footprint, with its Enugu campus, which he stated is now available to serve PWDs in the Eastern region.

The statement added: “Stakeholders are encouraged to partner with DBI to further strengthen Nigeria鈥檚 digital inclusion agenda, in line with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy鈥檚 Strategic Plan (2023-2027).”

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