NITDA DG Advocates for Inclusion of Persons with Special Needs in Digital Literacy
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NITDA DG Advocates for Inclusion of Persons with Special Needs in Digital Literacy
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has called for increased inclusion of persons with special needs in the agency’s policies and programmes.
This call aims to implement the Presidential priority area of Reforming the Economy for Sustained Inclusive Growth and leverage digital literacy to transform Nigeria into a globally recognised hub of technology and innovation.
Inuwa made this known during a strategic meeting with a delegation from the Inclusive Friends Association, led by its Executive Director, Grace Jerry, at the agency’s corporate headquarters.
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He acknowledged the need for intentional design of initiatives to address the needs of an estimated 35 million Nigerians with special needs.
The DG pledged a renewed commitment to expanding initiatives to all parts of the country, noting that NITDA has always conducted targeted training for people with special needs.
He proposed formal inclusion of representatives from the disability community in committees that develop national ICT standards, training curricula, and policy frameworks.
Inuwa emphasised that digital literacy is crucial for empowerment, enabling individuals to use IT to expand businesses and improve lives.
He invited disability organisations to partner with NITDA in shaping a digital economy that works for all Nigerians.
The Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Association, Grace Jerry, on her part, noted the urgency of ensuring adequate representation of people living with special needs in ongoing reviews and monitoring of the framework’s implementation.
She stressed that digital literacy is becoming a foundational skill for employment, and without deliberate inclusion, millions will be left behind.
