NASENI, PICTT Reaffirm Commitment to Female Engineers with Launch of DELT-Her 2.0

Abuja, Nigeria – May 19, 2025 –** The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT) have reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to promoting female engineers through support for 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 ambitious goal of doubling the number of female engineers in Nigeria within five years.

He described DELT-Her as a transformative movement designed to empower women to lead, with NASENI providing crucial support through funding, mentorship, and exposure to global platforms. “DELT-Her is fueling a wave of women-led solutions to Nigeria’s toughest challenges,” Mr. Halilu stated.

Highlighting the success of the initiative’s first phase in 2024, which awarded over N70.5 million to six female engineers for projects such as AI-driven soil monitoring, drone-based security systems, and eco-friendly brake pads, he confirmed more support is planned for the second phase. NASENI is collaborating 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, lauded DELT-Her as a flagship project aimed at empowering women, breaking gender barriers, and reshaping Nigeria’s technological future. He underscored the urgent need to increase the participation of women in engineering, where they currently constitute only five percent in Nigeria and 28 percent globally.

According to Dr. Dahiru, the initiative will not only provide funding to successful applicants but also offer mentorship from industry leaders to help translate innovative ideas into viable startups. He acknowledged the support received from the Nigerian Society of Engineers and celebrated the achievements of the first cohort of DELT-Her recipients.

In his goodwill message, Senator Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NASENI, pledged the Senate's continued support for women engineers and scientists.

The Minister of Women's Affairs, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Maryam Chira Keshinro, hailed the initiative as a strategic step towards inclusive innovation and national development. She noted that it addresses structural inequalities by improving access to capital and mentorship for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntola, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, represented by Engr. Mistura Adenike Rafiu, also pledged ongoing support for NASENI and PICTT’s efforts in promoting STEM education.

Other speakers, including Mrs. Rinsola Abiola, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizens and Leadership, and Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Pioneer Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, commended the DELT-Her initiative and urged female engineers to continue striving for equality in the engineering profession.

The DELT-Her portal opened for applications today, May 19, 2025, on **www.delther.pictt.gov.ng** and will close on July 31st, 2025. DELT-Her is poised to create new pathways for Nigerian women in engineering to build, lead, and scale tech solutions with practical, real-world relevance.