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Daniel Adaji
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), in collaboration with Caverton Helicopters, has launched a six-week training Programme for female engineers and scientists on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology.
The initiative, which began on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Caverton’s training school in Ikeja, Lagos, is the second batch of the NASENI-Caverton (NASCAV) partnership. It focuses on building capacity among NASENI’s female personnel to become drivers of drone technology for agricultural advancement under the SHEFLY project.
Director of Information Information, NASENI, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
The SHEFLY project, spearheaded by NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Khalil Halilu, aims to empower rural women through precision farming using drone technology.
Ayeoyenikan said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for inclusive economic growth and innovation-driven development.
Speaking at the training’s opening ceremony, Team Lead of the NASCAV project, Dr. Abayomi Okesola who represented NASENI management, emphasized the significance of the partnership.
“CAVERTON are worthy partners due to their impressive track record in aviation and marine spaces,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of empowering women in STEM, stating, “The SHEFLY project is very dear to the heart of the EVC/CEO NASENI who perceived the exercise as a valuable initiative to promote women in STEM fields and bridge the existing gender gap.”
Okesola added that the selection of trainees from various NASENI institutes across the country was strategic.
“It was a deliberate effort to enable them manage clusters that will be set up to train rural women in drone technology for enhanced agricultural activities nationwide,” he explained.
Also speaking at the event, Caverton Helicopters’ Managing Director, Captain Bello Ibrahim, represented by the Director of Corporate Services, Mr. Ayodele Omueti, highlighted the importance of staying ahead in technological trends.
“The training is timely to ensure we remain current with global technological advancements,” he said.
He urged the participants to be diligent and focused, noting that training is essential for ensuring safety and accountability in the aviation sector.
Project Coordinator for Caverton Drones, Mr. Ese Obukonise, assured the trainees of a high-standard program.
“The training adheres to aerodynamic principles and is certified by a UK license Authority, ensuring compliance with international standards and best practices,” he said.
He emphasized the growing global demand for UAV pilots and noted that the SHEFLY project will not only promote gender inclusiveness in a male-dominated field but also “empower women to capitalize on emerging opportunities in UAV technology.”
Upon completion of the training, the female engineers will be responsible for training rural women farmers across Nigeria, helping them integrate drone technology into their agricultural practices to boost productivity and income.
The SHEFLY project will soon be officially launched at the Aeronautic and Air Vehicle Development Institute (AAVDI) of NASENI in Kaduna, further reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to food security, sustainable agriculture, and the advancement of women in technology.