L to R: Coordinating Director, Planning and Business Development, NASENI, Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi; Chairman Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs Nko Esuabana; President Nigeria Society of Engineers NSE, Mrs. Margaret Aina Oguntala; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu; Chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, Sen. Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi and students of Government Secondary School, Dasara, Kuje, Abuja during the launch of the DELT-Her programme in commemoration of the International Women’s Day at NASENI HQ Abuja on Friday, 8th March, 2024.

Beyond the funfair of celebrating the International Women’s Day, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, (NASENI) has initiated a bold step to empower young female engineers in engineering and technology-based businesses.

To this end, the agency at the weekend in collaboration with thr Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT-DELTA-2 Programme) launched a Web-portal otherwise called ‘DELT- HER’
to support and nurture young female engineers into becoming global icons in the sphere of engineering enterprise.

Unveiling the portal in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NASENI, Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu said
Delt-Her is an initiative, a subset of Delta-2 programme, floated to close the gender gap in engineering practice in the country, inspire next generation of female engineers, provide financing support for new ideas and projects, translating them into viable businesses, and ultimately to strengthen the entire engineering ecosystem.

While expressing the determination of the agency to invest in young female engineers and bridge the gender gap in the engineering sector, Halilu said NASENI through DELT- HER platform intend to double the number of female engineers in Nigeria within the next five years.

The NASENI boss said the agency hopes to achieve this through application and instrumentality of all levels of education with the hope of catching them young.

According to Halilu “We intend to, through DELT-HER, double the number of female engineers in Nigeria over the next five years. This will mean working extensively at the level of secondary education, which is where young girls make the vital decisions regarding choice of professional field.”

Mr Halilu however noted that today it is difficult to find a female engineer among twenty engineers, but assured that NASENI through DELT- HER will champion the course of young female engineers by funding them and creating an enabling environment for them to have access to opportunities that will inspire them to fully develop their potentials.

The NASENI Boss stressed that the DELT- HER platform ,being promoted in collaboration with the Presidential Implementation Committee On Technology Transfer, will be officially launched on Saturday, 9th, March, 2024 for young interested engineers and urged them to submit their applications.

“We have specially chosen today, the 2024 International Women’s Day, to launch DELT- HER. DELT-HER is what I call an “opportunity platform”, through which girls and young women can pitch and present their exciting and groundbreaking engineering ideas, for funding by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure ,NASENI, through our Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer,PICTT.

“Very importantly, we want to contribute to the economic growth and development of Nigeria. DELT-HER will create jobs and help develop technical skills and capabilities. And we hope that every additional woman engineer that is emerging can become a role model for another set of women. ” he said

On statistics of female in Engineering sector, Mr Halilu said “the global average for female representation in engineering is 28%, which is only a little above one in four. In Nigeria’s it’s only 5%-only one in 20 Nigerian engineers is a woman.”

“What we seek to do is close the gender gap in engineering, inspire the next generation, provide financing support for new ideas and projects, and ultimately strengthen the entire engineering ecosystem. ”

Earlier, the Chairman of PlCTT, Dr.Mohammed Dahiru expressed concern over gender imbalance in engineering sector and calls for urgent action to close the gap

He solicited for robust partnership nationwide, to ensure that the launch of DELT- HER is nurtured into a forest of fruitful trees.

L- R: Coordinating Director, Planning and Business Development NASENI, Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi; Chairman Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Nko Esuabana; President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs. Margaret Aina Oguntala; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu and Chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, Sen. Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi during the launch of the DELT-Her programme in commemoration of the International Women’s Day at NASENI HQs Abuja on Friday, 8th March, 2024.

According to him “To support the actualization of the birth of multiple start-up companies from ideas selected under this project, each successful applicant will be matched with female mentors who are industry giants both in engineering and business. It is firmly believed that the shoulders of these giants will provide the supportive environment that is required for success.”

In her key note address, the First Female President, Nigeria Society of Engineers, NSE, Magaret Aina Oguntala, lauded the initiative and commended PICTT and NASENI for championing the course of women in the engineering sector.

The NSE President who pledged full support for DELT-HER, urged all stakeholders in the sector to mentor and encourage the upcoming engineers particularly women.

“As we embark on this journey together, I urge all stakeholders to actively
participate and support the “Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her”
initiative. Whether through mentorship, sponsorship, advocacy, or collaboration,
each of us has a role to play in creating a more inclusive and equitable engineering profession. Let us work together with determination, dedication, and resolve to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a future where every aspiring engineer, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.” Oguntala said

In his remarks, Chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi also pledged his support for Women in engineering and science sector to ensure that they are given their rightful position in the society

He promised legislative advocacy through oversight function to make
DELT-HER a huge success.