May 20, (THEWILL) – The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), in partnership with the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT), has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting female participation in engineering through the launch of the second phase of the Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her) initiative.
Speaking during the launch of the DELT-Her 2.0 proposal portal on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the NASENI headquarters in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the agency is working towards doubling the number of female engineers in Nigeria over the next five years.
Halilu described DELT-Her as a movement designed to encourage women to take the lead in innovation, with NASENI providing support through funding, mentorship, and global exposure.
“DELT-Her is fueling a wave of women-led solutions to Nigeria’s toughest challenges,” he said, citing previous success stories, including AI-powered soil monitoring systems, drone-enabled security solutions, and eco-friendly brake pads.
He revealed that in 2024, the first phase of the programme awarded over N70.5 million to six female engineers, with even more support planned for the second phase. Halilu added that NASENI is collaborating with PICTT and the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic to create an enabling 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 the country’s technological landscape. He noted that women make up only five per cent of engineers in Nigeria compared to 28 per cent globally, stressing the urgent need for inclusive growth in the sector.
Dr. Dahiru said the initiative will not only provide funding for successful applicants but also connect them with mentors to help transform their ideas into scalable startups. He commended the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) for its ongoing support and highlighted the achievements of the first cohort of DELT-Her beneficiaries.
In a goodwill message, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NASENI, Senator Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi, pledged the continued support of the National Assembly for female engineers and scientists.
Also speaking, the Minister of Women’s Affairs, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Maryam Chira Keshinro, described the initiative as a strategic step toward inclusive innovation and national development. She said DELT-Her helps address structural inequalities by improving access to capital and mentorship for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, represented by Engr. Mistura Adenike Rafiu, also pledged the society’s continued support for NASENI and PICTT in promoting STEM education among women.
Other dignitaries, including the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizens and Leadership, Mrs. Rinsola Abiola, and the Pioneer Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, praised the DELT-Her initiative and encouraged women to strive for equal representation in engineering.
The DELT-Her 2.0 portal officially opened for applications on Monday at www.delther.pictt.gov.ng and will close on July 31, 2025. The initiative aims to create new pathways for Nigerian women in engineering to build, lead, and scale practical, real-world tech solutions.
Sam Diala is a Bloomberg Certified Financial Journalist with over a decade of experience in reporting Business and Economy. He is Business Editor at THEWILL Newspaper, and believes that work, not wishes, creates wealth.
