Digital Bridge Institute Committed To Bridging Digital Divide For PWDs – CEO
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Digital Bridge Institute(DBI) says it is committed to bridging the digital divide and creating opportunities for People With Disabilities (PWDs) to enable them participate fully in the nation’s digital economy.
The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute,Mr David Daser,made the pledge at the graduation of 25 PWDs of Cohort 2 of the Digital Bridge Institute/Sightsavers IT Bridge Academy held in Kano on Thursday.
The IT Bridge Academy is a pioneering initiative by Sightsavers designed to provide accessible, high-quality IT training to persons with disabilities, equipping them with industry-recognised certifications and pathways to employment.
“Today is a joyous occasion for the DBI Family as we celebrate the graduation of Cohort 2 of the Digital Bridge Institute/Sightsavers IT Bridge Academy.
“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 months training programme, acquiring skills in Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), as well as other supporting modules such as Product Management, Digital Marketing and E-Commerce and Data Analysis and Visualization.
“These skills will enable them to compete favourably in the job market and pursue their passions with confidence.
“We must work to break down barriers and create opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate fully,”Daser said.
He called on the Government, the private sector, businesses and Non-Governmental Organisations(NGOs) to create opportunities for the engagement of PWDs.
He urged the graduates of the DBI IT Bridge Academy to use the skills and knowledge they learned to create positive change in their respective communities and be ambassadors for inclusion and accessibility.
In his remarks,the Executive Director Sightsavers, Sunday Isiyaku,said: “Today, we celebrate the 25 graduates here in Kano and look forward to the graduation of the 25 students in our Lagos campus on the 27th of March 2025.
“Each of you has worked tirelessly, overcoming challenges and pushing boundaries to reach this day.
“At Sightsavers, we firmly believe that disability should never be a barrier to employment or economic independence. The IT Bridge Academy was designed to bridge the gap in digital skills and create pathways to meaningful careers for persons with disabilities,”Isiyaku said.
According to him,the programme is not just about education,but about economic empowerment, inclusion, and proving that talent-not disability-should define a person’s opportunities.
