By Emmanuel N. Vitus
In the southern heart of Nigeria, Benin City, a vibrant yet challenging ecosystem emerges for many students living with disabilities striving for academic excellence. While the city is known for its rich cultural heritages, beliefs and historical significance, it is also a place where modern educational challenges persist. One of the most pressing issues is the accessibility of digital resources and technology for these students, a problem that has far-reaching implications for their academic and personal growth.
Why the digital divide?
As someone deeply involved in community development and educational initiatives in Benin City, I've witnessed firsthand obstacles that students face in accessing essential digital tools and resources. The digital divide—a gap between those who have easy access to the internet and digital technologies and those who do not—is obvious and growing.
During my national youth service with OrphanHub Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing digital technological skills to orphans, disabled children and underprivileged youths that emanated from my personal National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Community Development Service (CDS) project, I encountered numerous students who had never touched a computer before. Many public schools in Benin City lacked this basic infrastructures necessary for digital learning. Classrooms are often overcrowded, with outdated or non-existent computer labs, and unreliable electricity supply further hampers efforts to integrate technology into education.
Personalized Stories from the schools I Visited
Take the story of Efosa, a bright young student from a local secondary school. Efosa's school had no functioning computer lab, and his family could not afford a personal computer or internet access at home. Despite his keen interest in technology, his exposure to digital learning was limited to sporadic sessions at home. Efosa's experience is not unique. Many students in Benin City share similar stories of limited access and missed opportunities.
Another example is Joy, a visually impaired student with a passion for learning. The lack of accessible educational materials tailored to her needs made her educational journey exceptionally challenging. Braille books were scarce, and digital resources that could have provided a wealth of information were inaccessible due to the absence of screen readers and other assistive technologies in her school.
Addressing the Challenges
Addressing these accessibility issues requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, improving the infrastructure of schools is crucial. This includes establishing well-equipped computer labs, ensuring reliable electricity supply, and providing internet access. Government, civil society organizations and private sectors partnerships can play a pivotal role in this endeavor, offering funding and technical support to upgrading this school’s facilities.
Secondly, training teachers to effectively integrate digital tools into their teaching methods is essential. Professional development programs focused on digital literacy can empower educators to make the most of available technologies, thereby enhancing the learning experience for their students.
Lastly, community-based initiatives like OrphanHub Innovative Foundation can make a significant impact. By providing digital literacy training and resources to underserved students, such organizations help bridge the gap and create opportunities for those who would otherwise be left behind. Expanding these initiatives and encouraging similar projects across the city can ensure that no student is deprived of the benefits of digital education.
The Way Forward
The challenges of digital accessibility in Benin City are formidable, but they are not unconquerable. With collaborative efforts from the government, private sector, educators, and community organizations, we can bridge the digital divide and create an inclusive educational environment for all students. By doing so, we will not only equip them with the necessary skills needed for the future but also empower them to become active participants in this digitalization age.
As we continue to push for progress, let us remember the stories of students like Efosa and Joy. Their persistency and determination remind us of the importance of our mission. Together, we can build a future where every student in Benin City has the opportunity to thrive in the digital world. By shedding light on these challenges and advocating for change, we can ensure a brighter and more inclusive future for the students living with disabilities.
