The Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons Nigeria, Mr Tim Akano, has urged stakeholders to create more opportunities for visually impaired persons in the ICT sector. He emphasized that individuals with visual impairments hold significant potential that can drive innovation and growth in Nigeria's technology space if properly harnessed. Speaking at an event focused on digital accessibility, Akano stressed the need for adaptive technologies and inclusive policies in tech training and employment. He cited global examples where visually impaired professionals have excelled in coding, software testing, and IT support roles. Akano called on tech companies, educators, and policymakers to collaborate in removing barriers to entry for people with visual impairments.
Tim Akano's push for inclusion exposes how narrow the pipeline into Nigeria's tech economy remains for people with disabilities. When a segment of the population is systematically excluded from high-growth sectors like ICT, the nation's innovation capacity shrinks. For visually impaired Nigerians, access to adaptive tools and fair recruitment could redefine what is possible in their careers. This is not charity—it is smart economics.