Ministry enrols 16,000 in digital training

Towards an inclusive digital economy, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), partnering with CBM International Nigeria, has called for the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the sector.
   
Speaking at the flagged-off specialised Digital Citizenship Training for PWDs in Lagos State, the NCC Director of Digital Economy, Ms Helen Obi, said the initiative aimed to equip PWDs with essential digital skills, safety awareness, and the tools required to participate meaningfully in Nigeria’s expanding digital landscape.
   
Similarly, the Federal Ministry of Education said 16,000 Nigerians have been enrolled in the inaugural cohort of its Digital Training Academy (DTA) – a free government-sponsored initiative to equip young Nigerians with globally recognised digital skills.
   
The ministry said the initiative is part of the government’s efforts to develop a highly skilled workforce that can compete in the global digital economy, while complementing existing government investments in digital skills development.
   
Disclosing this yesterday in Abuja ahead of the national launch of the academy next Monday, the ministry’s National Coordinator, Special Projects and Innovation Unit (SPOIU), Adebayo Onibanjo, said the academy received 72,850 applications from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory during its registration window from August 17 to September 1.
   
Meanwhile, reflecting on the theme, “Empowering Persons with Disabilities Through Digital Citizenship for an Inclusive Digital Economy,” Obi, who represented the NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, emphasised that Nigeria’s digital transformation must be inclusive, accessible and people-centred.
   
Highlighting the World Health Organisation (WHO) global data showing that approximately 1.3 billion people, or one in six globally, live with a significant disability, she noted that digital exclusion remains a critical barrier to sustainable economic development.
   
According to her, digital citizenship goes beyond operating a smartphone or computer to encompass the knowledge, skills, and responsible behaviours required to participate safely and meaningfully online, protect personal information, recognise scams, and understand digital rights.
   
“For Persons with Disabilities, technology can remove barriers to education and employment, support entrepreneurship, and promote greater independence through assistive technologies,” she noted.
   
For his part, the Country Programme Manager, CBM International Nigeria, Michael Idah, reaffirmed the body’s commitment to advancing disability-inclusive development across both public and private sectors.
   
He emphasised that while technical training is crucial, the ultimate metric of success lies in translating digital skills into long-term systemic change, employment pathways, and accessible infrastructure.
   
Also, the Director of Monitoring, Evaluation and Orientation, Dr Adekola Oluwafunmilayo, who represented the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), said the collaboration with the NCC was an important step in strengthening digital skills and economic empowerment for PWDs.
   
She explained that skills development would enhance the economic capacity and independence of PWDs, thereby improving their well-being. Adekola noted that some PWDs operate businesses that are not formally registered, making them unable to access some financial opportunities.