The Country Director Sightsavers Nigeria Dr Sunday Isiyaku said the Non-Governmental organization has embarked on the training of 25 young people with disabilities in Kano who would be empowered in the IT Bridge Academy.
Dr Sunday Isiyaku disclosed this during the inauguration of the training held in Kano.
Represented by Mr. David Okorafor, Project Officer – Economic Empowerment project, Isiyaku said the Academy was designed to equip young men and women with disabilities with industry-recognised certified IT skills to enable them to compete favourably in the labour market and start their own careers in the evolving digital economy
He said the exercise is part of the commitment to promote equal economic opportunities for people with disabilities.
Dr. Sunday Isiyaku, who is the country Sightsavers Nigeria and Ghana, said the trainees would be trained and certified in courses such as CISCO networking and cybersecurity, data analysis, product management, cloud computing and ITEL service management.
“Whilst we help remove all disability-related barriers for people with disabilities to learn equally, one overarching goal for us is to ensure the academy becomes a source for a pool of IT talents with disabilities for employers,” he said
He noted that Sightsavers is partnering with the government-owned Digital Bridge Institute that is hosting the academy in its Lagos and Kano campuses.
Adding that all trainees from the southern region are on the Lagos campus while those from the northern region are on the Kano campus.
“The IT Bridge Academy will harness the world-renowned CISCO Networking Academy curriculum, which has been carefully adapted to cater for the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
“Our dream is to create an Academy that not only imparts technical knowledge but also fosters an environment of inclusivity, support, and encouragement,” he said.
He said the initiative was a clear demonstration of how public-private partnership could help remove barriers that deny people with disabilities from meaningfully participating, benefitting, and contributing to their local economy.
“It is a testament to Sightsavers’ unwavering commitment to promoting equal economic opportunities for people with disabilities,” Isiyaku said.
He said after graduation, students would acquire a certified CISCO networking associate alongside other tech and soft skills, with the expertise and confidence to thrive in the ever-evolving tech industry in addition to supporting and connecting them with companies for internship opportunities where possible.
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