The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has taken a bold step to double the number of women engineers within five years through women-led innovation

The Agency in collaboration with the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT) said the Federal Government is committed to promoting female engineers by supporting women-led innovation.

Speaking at the Agency’s headquarters on Monday, May 19, 2025, 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. “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 of 2025, adding that NASENI is partnering PICTT and the Czech Republic’s Technology Agency to foster a thriving innovation ecosystem for women.

Chairman of PICTT, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru, in his remarks, 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 per cent in Nigeria and 28 per cent globally.

According to Dr. Dahiru, 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, Sen. Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi, in his goodwill message pledged the Senate’s continued support for women engineers and scientists.

Minister of Women Affairs represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Maryam Chira 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 Aina Oguntola, represented by Engr. Mistura Adenike Rafiu pledged 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 equity in the engineering profession.

In a statement, the Agency’s Deputy Director of Information Chima Akwaja said DELT-Her creates new pathways for Nigerian women in engineering to build, lead, and scale tech solutions with practical, real-world relevance

The DELT-Her portal opened for applications through www.delther.pictt.gov.ng and will close on July 31st 2025.