Breaking barriers, expanding access, and empowering Deaf people to learn, innovate, participate and lead.
2026
Year of Fellowship
Abubakar Mumbu Idris
Executive Director
About Tech Inclusion for the Deaf Initiative
Tech Inclusion for the Deaf Initiative (TIDI) is a Deaf-led Nigerian organisation advancing digital inclusion, education, civic engagement, technology access, and economic opportunities for Deaf people. Guided by the belief that “Being Deaf is not a barrier,” TIDI works to ensure that Deaf people have the knowledge, tools, opportunities, and platforms needed to participate, innovate, and lead.
TIDI delivers community-led programmes in digital skills, STEM education, AI literacy, entrepreneurship, civic participation, accessible technology, and advocacy. The organisation has reached more than 770 Deaf young people across over 7 states in Nigeria, equipping them with practical skills and creating pathways to education, employment, entrepreneurship, and meaningful participation in society.
TIDI also promotes the use of Nigerian Sign Language (NSL) and visual-first approaches to improve access to information, technology, and public services. Through initiatives such as the Open Nigerian Sign Language Corpus and CivicAccess, TIDI develops practical solutions that address barriers faced by Deaf communities.
TIDI is committed to strengthening Deaf leadership and community ownership, ensuring Deaf people are not only beneficiaries of development but active leaders, creators, and decision-makers. Through partnerships with communities, institutions, civil society organisations, and technology stakeholders, TIDI is building a more accessible Nigeria where Deaf people can learn, work, participate, innovate, and lead on equal terms.
About Abubakar Mumbu Idris
Abubakar Mumbu Idris is a Deaf Nigerian disability rights advocate, civic technology innovator, data and monitoring & evaluation professional, and social impact leader committed to advancing inclusion through technology, education, and evidence-based advocacy.
He is the Founder and Executive Director of Tech Inclusion for the Deaf Initiative (TIDI), a Deaf-led organisation working to expand access to digital skills, STEM education, AI, entrepreneurship, civic participation, and accessible technology for Deaf communities. He also has experience in disability-focused leadership, programme management, data analysis, monitoring and evaluation, advocacy, and community engagement.
Abubakar is a Mandela Washington Fellow, a YALI Regional Leadership Center Fellow, and a CivicHive Fellow and alumnus. Through the Mandela Washington Fellowship, he received leadership development at Drexel University and pre-institute training at Gallaudet University, gaining deeper knowledge of leadership, Deaf culture, and inclusive approaches to social change. His CivicHive experience provided training and guidance that contributed to the development of CivicAccess, a civic technology initiative designed to improve civic participation and access to information for Deaf citizens in Nigeria.
With a background in History and International Studies and professional experience spanning disability rights, digital inclusion, monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, advocacy, and community development, Abubakar combines leadership, technology, and lived experience to create practical solutions for underserved communities.