CITAD MacArthur Launches Digital Training Hub for PWDs in Kano.
The Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), supported by the MacArthur Foundation, has launched a Digital Training Hub specifically designed for individuals with special needs (PWDs). This initiative aims to empower 300 PWDs over the course of the next year, including groups such as the visually impaired, hearing impaired, albinos, those with spinal cord injuries, and others with unique needs.
The Digital Training Hub will provide an eight-week training program tailored to enhance the skills and capabilities of each group of PWDs. This training is intended to equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to contribute effectively to society and improve their overall quality of life.
Dr. Kole Ahmed Shettima, the country director of the MacArthur Foundation in Nigeria, highlighted the importance of this initiative. He noted that in today’s interconnected world, it is crucial to provide PWDs with the knowledge they need to become self-sufficient. With an estimated 30 to 40 million PWDs in Nigeria, he emphasized that neglecting this population would mean losing valuable contributors to national progress.
Engineer Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, the executive director of CITAD, explained that the pilot lab was established to address the specific digital needs of PWDs and foster inclusion. He stressed that the United Nations has declared that no one should be left behind in the digital age, especially given the shift toward online education, which has made it essential to take action.
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In his remarks, Ya’u pointed out that many primary and secondary schools lack the necessary facilities to accommodate PWDs. This gap in resources was a significant factor in the decision to establish the lab, which aims to train PWDs and enable them to pass on their knowledge to younger generations.
The initiative is not only about training but also about inspiring other organizations to take similar steps toward promoting inclusion for PWDs. By setting up the pilot digital lab, CITAD hopes to encourage a broader movement within the community to support and empower individuals with special needs.
Additionally, Alhaji Yusuf Ibrahim, the senior special assistant on ICT to the Kano state governor, announced that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the establishment of Computer-Based Test (CBT) ICT centers across all 44 local government areas in the state. This initiative is aimed at further enhancing digital access and opportunities for PWDs.
Ibrahim mentioned that a budget of 309 million naira has been allocated for the establishment of the pilot CBT center, which will prioritize the needs of PWDs. This investment reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that individuals with special needs receive the support and resources they require to thrive in a digital world.
The collaboration between CITAD, the MacArthur Foundation, and the Kano state government represents a significant step toward inclusivity and empowerment for PWDs. By providing targeted training and resources, these organizations aim to create a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Ultimately, the establishment of the Digital Training Hub and the CBT centers signifies a growing recognition of the importance of inclusivity in technology and education. It is a call to action for other stakeholders to join in promoting equal opportunities for PWDs, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital transformation of society.
