The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT) have restated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting female engineers by supporting women-led innovation.
Speaking at the agency’s headquarters on Monday during the launch of the second phase of the Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her) proposal portal, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman 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, stressing that “DELT-Her is fueling a wave of women-led solutions to Nigeria’s toughest challenges.”
Citing past success stories such as AI-driven soil monitoring, drone-based security systems, and eco-friendly brake pads, the industry expert disclosed that over N70.5 million was awarded to six female engineers in the first phase in 2024 with more support planned in the second, adding that NASENI is partnering PICTT and the Czech Republic’s Technology Agency to foster a thriving innovation ecosystem for women.
In his welcome address at the event, 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 stressed the urgent need to raise the participation of women in engineering, where they currently make up just five per cent in Nigeria and 28 per cent 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.
Similarly, the Chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, Sen. Francis Onyewuchi, in his goodwill message pledged the National Assembly’s continued support for women engineers and scientists.
In her speech, Minister of Women’s Affairs, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Maryam Chira Keshinro said the initiative remained 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, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Margaret Oguntola, represented by Engr. Mistura Rafiu, promised the support for NASENI and PICTT’s efforts in promoting STEM education.
Other speakers, including Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizens and Leadership, Mrs. 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 striving for equality in the engineering profession.
The DELT-Her portal was opened for applications on www.delther.pictt.gov.ng and would close on July 31st this year to open new opportunities for Nigerian women in engineering to build, lead, and scale tech solutions with practical, real-world relevance.
Photo Caption
L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Maryam Chira Keshinro; Chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, Sen. Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi; EVC/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu; Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi; Chairman of Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru; and Executive Director, North and Public Sector, Fidelity Bank, Mr. Sufiyani Garba at the launch of DELT-Her proposal portal for female engineers at NASENI’s headquarters on Monday in Abuja
