Kano, Thursday, March 20  – The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), in collaboration with Sightsavers, has successfully trained and graduated a new cohort of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) under the IT Bridge Academy initiative. The graduation ceremony, held at DBI Kano, marks a significant milestone in the empowerment of individuals with disabilities through digital skills development.
Speaking at the event, the CEO of Digital Bridge Institute  (DBI),  David Daser, commended the graduates for their dedication and resilience throughout the training. “As the CEO of Digital Bridge Institute, I am proud to say that our academy is a beacon of hope and inclusivity in Africa. We are committed to bridging the digital divide and creating opportunities for PWDs to participate fully in the digital economy. Our graduates have undergone an intensive nine-month training program acquiring skills in Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) as well as other supporting modules such as Product Management, Digital Marketing,  E-commerce, Data Analysis, and Visualisation. These skills will enable them to compete favorably in the job market and pursue their passion with confidence.” Daser stated.
Representatives from Sightsavers also lauded the initiative, emphasizing the importance of inclusive education and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting programs that equip individuals with the skills needed to thrive in today’s digital world.
Speaking further,  Daser noted, “The DBI IT Bridge is a specialized training program aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on promoting democracy, driving economic development, harnessing Nigeria’s demographic potential and innovative capabilities. The programme supports this agenda by providing opportunities for youth development, capacity building, and economic growth through the tech ecosystem. President Tinubu’s administration has emphasized the importance of economic growth and job creation. The IT Bridge Academy contributes to this growth by providing PWDs with industry-recognised certification enhancing their employability and other opportunities. This programme also aligns with the Knowledge Pillar of the strategic plan of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy 2023-2027 and that of the Honourable Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani” he stated.
The training, delivered by DBI, covered key ICT areas, including computer literacy, digital communication, and specialized assistive technologies tailored to enhance accessibility. Graduates expressed their gratitude, sharing stories of how the program has transformed their perspectives and opened new career paths for them.
The event concluded with an inspiring charge to the graduates to apply their newly acquired skills, pursue excellence, and contribute meaningfully to society.
The Digital Bridge Institute remains committed to advancing digital inclusion and capacity-building for all, ensuring that no one is left behind in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Signed:
Akin Ogunlade
Head, Public Affairs
Digital Bridge Institute (DBI)