PwDs seek advanced digital training as NCC programme exposes untapped skills

Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) have called for more advanced digital skills programmes after participants at a Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) training demonstrated capabilities beyond basic digital literacy.

The participants said further investment in specialised digital training, access to devices and better learning facilities could help PwDs convert their digital skills into employment, entrepreneurship and other income generating opportunities.

The call followed a two-day digital citizenship training organised by the NCC in Lagos to promote safe, productive and inclusive participation in the digital economy.

What they are saying

Mrs Binta Agbonika, Lead Facilitator at the programme and Head of Career Advancement Centre, Miva Open University, said the performance of participants showed that many PwDs were ready for more sophisticated technology training.

• “I was pleasantly surprised by their performance. These people are extremely intelligent, and I think we should have more advanced training for them,” she said.

Agbonika said while the programme was designed to strengthen basic digital capabilities, the participants demonstrated considerable existing knowledge, highlighting the need for training programmes that go beyond introductory digital literacy.

She said one of the gaps identified during the programme was not necessarily a lack of digital ability, but limited awareness of accessibility features already available on mobile devices.

• Participants were introduced to tools such as voice to text, text to speech, magnification, large text and other accessibility features that can make digital devices easier to use.
• According to Agbonika, cybersecurity was also a major part of the training, with participants taught how to protect their devices, personal information and online activities.
• The programme also covered email usage, CV improvement, free online learning platforms and opportunities for freelance work.

Agbonika urged stakeholders to develop more specialised programmes that can equip PwDs with marketable technology skills rather than limiting them to basic digital literacy.

She also called for more accessible training venues, noting that facilities should provide sufficient movement space and appropriate toilet facilities for wheelchair users and people with other mobility challenges.

Participants seek devices to continue learning

Participants said the training had improved their understanding of digital tools, but stressed that access to devices would be necessary to practise and build on the skills acquired.

Mr Hammed Wasiu, a participant from People with Disabilities in Agege, said the programme improved his knowledge of several accessibility features, including voice recording, voice to text, accessibility settings and flash notifications for incoming calls.

• Wasiu, who expressed interest in digital marketing, called for more opportunities from organisations and universities to enable PwDs to acquire advanced digital skills.
• Mr Samuel Ezewanta of the Albinism Association of Nigeria said he learnt how to tailor CVs to specific job applications and create stronger passwords without relying on personal information.
• Bolu Raji, a secondary school student, said the programme improved his knowledge of CV preparation and online safety.
• Raji said he also learnt precautions to take before transferring money online, while appealing for devices that would allow participants to continue practising after the training.

Calister Uche, a content creator with albinism, said she learnt how to use magnification, large text, select to speak and voice input features.

She said the skills would support her content creation activities and help her raise awareness about online scams.

Civil servants, students also benefit

Mrs Titilayo Odukoya of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) said the training would improve her effectiveness as a civil servant.

She said lessons on email, Excel and other digital productivity tools were particularly relevant to her official responsibilities.

Odukoya also urged the NCC to provide computers and other devices to participants to enable them to practise and consolidate the skills acquired during the programme.

She said access to computers would broaden the impact of the initiative beyond mobile phone based learning and give participants greater exposure to digital tools relevant to education and employment.