A new wave of tech talent is emerging in Kano as 25 persons with disabilities successfully graduated from the IT Bridge Academy, an initiative by Sightsavers designed to break barriers in digital education and employment.
The academy provides participants with industry-recognized certifications and career opportunities, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to the growing tech industry. Despite persistent stigma and discrimination, these graduates have proven that talent and determination matter more than physical limitations.
David Daser, President and CEO of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), acknowledged the challenges that persons with disabilities face in accessing opportunities, commending Sightsavers for creating a program that equips them with in-demand IT skills.
Dr. Sunday Isiaku, Executive Director of Sightsavers, celebrated the graduates’ resilience and highlighted the academy’s mission to bridge the digital divide.
“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. At Sightsavers, founded in 1950, we believe disability shouldn’t 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. This program is not just about education; it is about economic empowerment, inclusion, and proving that talent—not disability—should define a person’s opportunities,” he said.
Dr. Isiaku urged government agencies, private companies, and development organizations to support and expand the initiative, noting that the demand for IT skills is increasing. With greater collaboration, the academy could reach more people with disabilities, offering them training, mentorship, and employment opportunities.
Congratulating the graduates, he added, “You are the future of inclusive technology and innovation. Your achievements will continue to inspire others. As you move into the workforce, whether as employees, entrepreneurs, or advocates, carry forward the spirit of resilience and excellence that has brought you this far.”
He also shared success stories of past graduates who, given the right skills and opportunities, have excelled in the workforce.
Governor Abba Yusuf, represented by his Senior Special Adviser on ICT, Malam Yusuf Sharada, praised Sightsavers and the IT Academy for their commitment to empowering people with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of continued support for such initiatives.
The IT Bridge Academy stands as a testament to the fact that inclusivity in technology is not just a possibility but a necessity.
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