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Daniel Adaji
The Federal Government on Monday unveiled the second phase of the Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her) initiative.
Opening the event in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Khalil Halilu, said the the government plans to double the number of female engineers in Nigeria within five years.
“DELT-Her is more than a programme; it’s a movement. We are supporting women to lead through funding, mentorship, and access to global platforms,” he said, adding that the initiative is driving women-led solutions to some of Nigeria’s toughest challenges.
He added that over N70.5m was awarded to six female engineers under DELT-Her’s first phase in 2024, backing innovations such as AI-powered soil monitoring, drone-based security systems, and eco-friendly brake pads.
Halilu assured that more funding is expected in this second phase, with applications open from May 19 to July 31, 2025, at www.delther.pictt.gov.ng.
NASENI is partnering with the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT) and the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic to create a supportive innovation ecosystem for women.
Chairman of PICTT, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru, described DELT-Her as a flagship project aimed at breaking gender barriers and transforming Nigeria’s tech landscape. He noted that women currently make up only 5 percent of engineers in Nigeria and 28 percent globally.
Dahiru said the initiative would not only fund innovative ideas but also provide mentorship to turn them into scalable startups. He acknowledged the Nigerian Society of Engineers for supporting the programme and praised the success of the first cohort.
Other dignitaries at the launch included the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NASENI, Senator Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi, who pledged continued legislative support for women in science and engineering.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Mrs. Maryam Keshinro, representing the Minister, called the programme “a strategic move toward inclusive innovation, national development, and gender equality in STEM.”
Also speaking, Mistura Rafiu, who represented the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, pledged continued support for NASENI and PICTT’s STEM promotion efforts.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizens and Leadership, Mrs. Rinsola Abiola, and Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi of the FCTA Women Affairs Secretariat commended the initiative and encouraged young female engineers to keep striving for leadership in their field.