Abuja, June 4, 2025 — By Agbo Christian Obiora
In a bold move to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide and ensure no one is left behind in the country’s technological advancement, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has rolled out a transformative three-day Basic ICT and Digital Skills Training for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The initiative, launched on June 4 at the prestigious Barcelona Hotel in Abuja, aims to empower PWDs with essential tech skills for education, employment, entrepreneurship, and full social participation in the digital age.
The training program—organized in partnership with Meteorite Logistics Limited and the Department of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) of the Commission—brought together a diverse group of PWDs representing various disability clusters from across the federation. From visual impairments to physical and hearing disabilities, participants united under a common goal: to gain the digital competencies critical to thriving in a rapidly evolving digital society.
“Digital Skills Are No Longer a Luxury – They’re a Necessity,” Says NCPWD
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, the Commission’s ICT Director, Mr. Idemudia Lawrence, set the tone for the event by stressing the urgency of digital inclusion.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards a truly inclusive and equitable society,” Lawrence stated. “In an increasingly digital world, access to information and communication technologies is not a privilege but a basic right. This training is more than an event—it’s a movement to unlock the potential of PWDs.”
According to Hon. Gufwan, who sent a passionate message through his representative, the goal of the initiative is not simply to impart technical knowledge but to open doors to employment, innovation, self-reliance, and civic engagement.
Targeting Systemic Barriers with Strategic Solutions
For many PWDs in Nigeria, access to digital tools and training remains a major challenge. Financial hardship, inaccessible learning environments, lack of screen reader compatibility, and poor internet connectivity continue to hinder their participation in the digital economy.
“This programme is a direct response to the long-standing marginalization of persons with disabilities in the tech space,” said Mr. Lawrence. “We are not just handing out certificates—we are building capacity and self-worth.”
The training curriculum includes basic computer literacy, internet usage, social media navigation, mobile applications, and digital entrepreneurship tools tailored to the unique needs of each disability cluster. The sessions were facilitated by seasoned ICT professionals with inclusive teaching methodologies.
A Platform for Empowerment and Expression
For participants, the event was more than just a classroom—it was a platform of hope, opportunity, and representation.
“I have always wanted to explore online business, but I didn’t know how to even operate a laptop,” said Blessing Matthew, a participant with a mobility impairment. “This training has changed everything for me. I feel seen and heard.”
Another participant, Abubakar Yusuf, who is deaf and communicated through a sign language interpreter, expressed joy at being included. “The trainers are very patient. They explain in a way that we understand. I feel empowered to do more with my life now.”
A Model of Inclusive Development
Commending the organisers and partners for a well-structured programme, Hon. Gufwan noted that initiatives like this reaffirm the Commission’s strategic role in implementing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, especially as it relates to access to information, education, employment, and ICT.
He lauded the ICT Department and Meteorite Logistics Limited for providing an inclusive, learner-friendly environment and pledged that the Commission will continue to scale up such interventions nationwide.
“This is not a one-off training. It is part of a larger vision to integrate persons with disabilities into the digital workforce of Nigeria,” he said. “Our mission remains clear: a Nigeria where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.”
Moving From Words to Action
In an era where digital transformation is reshaping how societies function, the NCPWD’s initiative stands out as a bold demonstration of inclusive leadership. As Nigeria pushes toward a knowledge-based economy, it is imperative that persons with disabilities are not spectators but stakeholders in the national development agenda.
The Commission’s forward-thinking approach to digital empowerment for PWDs provides a replicable model for other government institutions, private sector players, and civil society actors to follow.
With each keyboard stroke and each newly opened digital window, the participants at Barcelona Hotel this week are not just learning—they are rewriting their futures.
Reporting by Agbo Christian Obiora
Executive Director, The Qualitative Magazine
Advocate for Disability Rights and Inclusive Development
