Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria’s government has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting female participation in engineering, aiming to double the number of women engineers in the country within the next five years. The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT) are spearheading this initiative through the expansion of their “Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her” (DELT-Her) programme.
Speaking at the launch of the second phase of the DELT-Her proposal portal on Monday, May 19, 2025, Khalil Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NASENI, described DELT-Her as a “movement encouraging women to lead.” He emphasised that NASENI is providing support through funding, mentorship, and access to global platforms. “DELT-Her is fuelling a wave of women-led solutions to Nigeria’s toughest challenges,” Mr. Halilu stated.
He cited previous successes from the first phase in 2024, which saw N70.5 million (approximately £38,000 / $48,000) awarded to six female engineers for projects such as AI-driven soil monitoring, drone-based security systems, and eco-friendly brake pads. Further support is planned for the second phase, with NASENI partnering with PICTT and the Czech Republic’s Technology Agency to foster a robust innovation ecosystem for women.
Addressing Gender Disparity in Engineering
Mohammed Dahiru, Chairman of PICTT, highlighted the urgent need to increase women’s participation in engineering, noting that they currently comprise only 5% of engineers in Nigeria and 28% globally. He described DELT-Her as a flagship project designed to empower women, dismantle gender barriers, and reshape Nigeria’s technological future. Beyond funding, the initiative will offer mentorship from industry leaders to help transform ideas into viable startups.
The launch received widespread support from various government and professional bodies. Senator Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NASENI, pledged the Senate’s continued backing for women engineers and scientists.
Mrs. Maryam Keshinro, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, represented the Minister and praised the initiative as a strategic step towards inclusive innovation and national development. She highlighted its role in addressing structural inequalities and improving women’s access to capital and mentorship in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Engr. Margaret Oguntala, 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 Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Pioneer Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, commended the DELT-Her initiative and encouraged female engineers to continue striving for equality in the profession.
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