CITAB applauds NYSC’s new disability inclusion protocol, urges “digital ramps” for blind corps members

By Oguadimma Chisom

The Centre for Infrastructural and Technological Advancement for the Blind (CITAB) has commended the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for its recent announcement of a standardized protocol for corps members with disabilities, calling it a long overdue step toward inclusivity.

In a statement issued in Lagos and signed by its Executive Chairman, Jolomi George Fenemigho, CITAB said the new protocol “shines a spotlight on the needs of those who have too often been kept in the shadows.”

Fenemigho described the move as “a major leap forward for disability rights in Nigeria” and praised NYSC Director General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu for reaffirming the organization’s commitment to dignity, fairness, and the principle of leaving no one behind.

“True inclusion goes far beyond ramps and accessible restrooms,” Fenemigho said. “For blind and visually impaired corps members, the journey to full participation requires digital ramps—systemic provision of assistive technologies and accessible digital environments. Assigning a blind graduate to a modern office without screen reading software or digital aids is no different from handing them a key to a locked door, and then turning out the lights.”

He urged the NYSC to conduct a thorough digital accessibility audit of its Mobilisation Portal and all ICT systems. “Blind and visually impaired users should be able to independently complete registration and access vital program information, just like their sighted counterparts,” he added.

Fenemigho also stressed the importance of equipping all orientation camps nationwide with assistive technologies, including laptops with screen readers such as JAWS or NVDA, and Refreshable Braille Displays. “No one should be left groping in the dark for basic tools when these technologies already exist and can level the playing field,” he said.

On skills development, the CITAB chairman urged reforms in the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program, saying visually impaired corps members should not be confined to trades that offer only modest income. “This program must include high-demand fields like data analytics and digital marketing using accessible learning tools. We cannot afford to box these talented graduates into limited vocational tracks when the digital economy offers so much more,” Fenemigho said.

He further called for financial support mechanisms, proposing a dedicated grant in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. “Equal access to essential tools is the only way to support meaningful and sustainable participation,” he stated.

“As we celebrate this historic shift toward inclusion, it is essential for NYSC and its partners to remember that half measures will only leave gaps for people to fall through,” Fenemigho concluded. “Lasting inclusion means every corps member, regardless of ability, has the resources, support, and opportunities needed to serve, learn, and contribute; otherwise, we risk building a bridge to the future with more holes than planks. With genuine technological investment and unwavering commitment, Nigeria can make national service a level playing field and truly light the way for all.”