By Uche Onyeali
National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, and the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer, PICTT, said the federal government is committed to promoting female engineering by supporting women-led innovation.
This was disclosed in a statement made available to AljazirahNigeria yesterday by the Deputy Director of Information, NASENI, Chima Akwaja.
Speaking at the agency’s headquarters yesterday during the launch of the second phase of the Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her’s, DELT-Her, proposal portal, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr Khalil Halilu emphasized the goal of doubling the number of female engineers in Nigeria within five years.
He described DELT-Her as a movement encouraging women to lead, with NASENI offering support through funding, mentorship and exposure to global platforms.
“DELT-Her is fueling a wave of women-led solutions to Nigeria’s toughest challenges,” he said.
Citing past success stories such as AI-driven soil monitoring, drone-based security systems and eco-friendly brake pads, he said over N70.5 million was awarded to six female engineers in the first phase in 2024 with more support planned in the second phase, adding that NASENI is partnering PICTT and Czech Republic’s Technology Agency to foster a thriving innovation ecosystem for women.
Chairman of PICTT, Dr Mohammed Dahiru described DELT-Her as a flagship project aimed at empowering women, breaking gender barriers and reshaping Nigeria’s technological future. He highlighted the urgent need to raise the participation of women in engineering, where they currently make up just five percent in Nigeria and 28 percent globally.
According to him, the initiative will not only fund successful applicants, but also provide mentorship from industry leaders to help transform ideas into viable startups.
He acknowledged the support from the Nigerian Society of Engineers and praised the success stories from the first cohort of DELT-Her recipients.
The chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, Senator Francis Onyewuchi pledged the Senate’s continued support for women engineers and scientists.
Minister of Women’s Affairs represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Maryam Keshinro said the initiative is a strategic step towards inclusive innovation and national development, adding that it addresses structural inequalities, while improving access to capital and mentorship for women in Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics, STEM.
Also, speaking President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr Margaret Oguntola, represented by Engr Mistura Rafiu pledged support for NASENI and PICTT’s efforts in promoting STEM education.
Other speakers, including the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizens and Leadership, Ms Rinsola Abiola; and the Pioneer Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, Dr Adedayo Benjamins- Laniyi commended the DELT-Her initiative and called on female engineers to continue to strive for equality in the engineering profession.
The DELT-Her portal opened for applications today on www.delther.pictt.gov.ng and will close on July 31. DELT-Her creates new pathways for Nigerian women in engineering to build, lead and scale tech solutions with practical and real-world relevance.