By Mustapha Salisu
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation, has launched a Digital Training Hub for People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in Kano State.
PRIME TIME NEWS gathered that the Hub being the first-of-its-kind in the entire Northwest zone of Nigeria, the initiative aims to empower over 300 individuals with disabilities through an 8-week intensive training program for the first batch of participants.
During the unveiling event, CITAD’s Executive Director, Engr. Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, highlighted the essence of the initiative, noting that it aligns with the United Nations’ call to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.
He emphasized that the center is uniquely designed to accommodate people with visual impairments, physical challenges, albinism, and other special needs, enabling them to operate computers and perform various tasks, distinguishing it from other computer centers in Kano State and beyond.
“Computers have become a vital tool for executing day-to-day activities. CITAD recognized the necessity of utilizing this technology to create employment opportunities for PWDs by establishing this digital training hub,” said Engr. Ya’u.
He further explained that the decision to establish the hub was driven by the challenges PWDs face in technology, particularly with computerized exams like JAMB’s CBT. The hub aims to alleviate these challenges by equipping PWDs with the necessary digital skills.
On his part, Dr. Kole Shettima, Africa Director of the MacArthur Foundation, expressed his optimism that the digital hub would yield fruitful results, promoting self-reliance among PWDs.
He noted that the world has evolved beyond a global village into a “global room,” making it imperative to equip PWDs with the knowledge needed to contribute to society.
“With a population of 30 to 40 million PWDs in Nigeria, leaving them behind means excluding a significant portion of those who can help move the nation forward. We have to start making changes now,” Dr. Shettima stated.
He also urged the Kano State government to develop similar centers in local government areas to ensure that more people with special needs can benefit.
Representing the Commissioner of the Kano State Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, Director of Welfare, Hon. Aisha Lawan Saji, commended CITAD for the initiative and encouraged communities to embrace the center. She assured that future empowerment programs would include the provision of computers to PWDs and urged them to stay engaged.
Also speaking, Hamza Aminu Fagge, Coordinator of PWDs at CITAD, remarked that the center is at the forefront of supporting PWDs not only in Kano State but across the entire Northwest region.
He reiterated CITAD’s commitment to ensuring that PWDs are not left behind in the digital age, noting the acquisition of specialized equipment such as computers with headphones for the visually impaired, screen magnifiers for albinos, braille keyboards, braille displays, Perkins braillers, portable typewriters, and talking calculators.
In his part, Yusuf Ibrahim Sharada, Senior Special Assistant to the Kano State Governor on ICTs, praised CITAD for establishing the hub with support from the MacArthur Foundation.
He advised participants to take full advantage of the training, assuring them that with dedication, they could excel as tech experts.
Sharada also announced that the Kano State government has approved the establishment of CBT ICT centers across the 44 local government areas, with a pilot project budgeted at N309 million, ensuring that PWDs receive due consideration.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Ibrahim Abdulkareem expressed gratitude to CITAD and the MacArthur Foundation for their support. “CITAD is changing the narrative. Nigeria will be better, and PWDs are no longer left in the shadows. We are being brought into the limelight,” he said.
