*The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure and the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer partner with the Czech Republic’s Technology Agency to foster a thriving innovation ecosystem by supporting women-led innovation in Nigeria

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

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 engineering by supporting women-led innovation.

Speaking at the NITDA Headquarters Monday, May 19, 2025, in Abuja, FCT, during the launch of the second phase of the Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her) proposal portal, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI, emphasised the goal of doubling the number of female engineers in Nigeria within five years.

Halilu described DELT-Her as a movement encouraging women to lead, with NASENI offering support through funding, mentorship, and exposure to global platforms.

Mr. Chima Akwaja, Deputy Director of Information at NASENI, Monday, stated the EVC/CEO said: 鈥淒ELT-Her is fueling a wave of women-led solutions to Nigeria鈥檚 toughest challenges.”

Citing past success stories, such as AI-driven soil monitoring, drone-based security systems, and eco-friendly brake pads, Halilu said over N70.5 million was awarded to six female engineers in the first phase in 2024 with more support planned in the second,

The EVC/CEO of NASENI disclosed the agency is partnering with PICTT and the Czech Republic’s Technology Agency to foster a thriving innovation ecosystem for women.

Dr. Mohammed Dahiru, Chairman of PICTT, in his welcome remarks, described DELT-Her as a flagship project aimed at empowering women, breaking gender barriers, and reshaping Nigeria鈥檚 technological future.

Dahiru 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.

He opined that the initiative would not only fund successful applicants but also provide mentorship from industry leaders to help transform ideas into viable startups.

The Chairman of PICTT also acknowledged the support from the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), and praised the success stories from the first cohort of DELT-Her recipients.

Sen. Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, in his goodwill message pledged the Senate’s continued support for women engineers and scientists.

The Minister of Women’s Affairs, represented by Mrs. Maryam Chira Keshinro, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, said the initiative was a strategic step towards inclusive innovation and national development.

She said that it would address 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 Aina Oguntola, represented by Engr. Mistura Adenike Rafiu pledged ongoing support for NASENI and PICTT鈥檚 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, all commended the DELT-Her initiative and called on female engineers to continue striving 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 31st 2025.

DELT-Her creates new pathways for Nigerian women in engineering to build, lead, and scale tech solutions with practical, real-world relevance, NITDA stated.

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