The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), in collaboration with Caverton Helicopters, has officially commenced the second batch of training for 10 selected female engineers and scientists from NASENI system-wide on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology.
The six-week intensive training, which began on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Caverton’s advanced training facility in Ikeja, Lagos, forms part of the NASENI-Caverton (NASCAV) partnership agreement aimed at reinforcing NASENI’s aviation mandate. This initiative is a significant step as part of the agency’s broader drive to promote indigenous technological capacity-building and empower women in technology.
Central to this effort is the SHEFLY project, a pioneering programme championed by NASENI’s executive vice chairman and chief executive officer, Khalil Suleiman Halilu. The project is strategically designed to empower rural women through drone technology, specifically targeting precision farming to boost agricultural yields, in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda for inclusive economic development.
Speaking at the inauguration of the training, the team lead of the NASCAV project, Dr. Abayomi Okesola, who represented NASENI management, warmly welcomed the participants. He praised Caverton Helicopters as a highly capable partner, noting its impressive track record in both aviation and marine sectors.
Okesola emphasised that the SHEFLY project holds special significance for NASENI’s leadership, describing it as a deliberate and valuable initiative to promote women’s participation in STEM fields and reduce gender disparities in technology-driven sectors. He noted that the selection of female trainees from NASENI institutes across different geopolitical zones was intentional, aimed at equipping them to lead regional clusters that will subsequently train rural women in drone operations for enhanced agricultural activities across the country.
In his remarks, the managing director of Caverton Helicopters, Capt. Bello Ibrahim, represented by the director of corporate services, Mr. Ayodele Omueti, reiterated Caverton’s commitment to excellence in aviation, marine services and advanced training. He stressed that training remains vital for ensuring safety, accountability, and technological relevance.
Omueti noted the increasing significance of UAVs within the aviation sector, describing the training as timely and essential for keeping pace with global technological trends. He encouraged the trainees to remain focused and dedicated to mastering the skills required for successful drone operations.
Project coordinator of Caverton Drones, Mr. Ese Obukonise added that the training programme adheres strictly to aerodynamic principles and is certified by a UK licensing authority, guaranteeing alignment with international standards and best practices. He expressed confidence that the trainees would maximise this opportunity to strengthen NASENI’s aviation initiatives.
Obukonise further pointed out that the global demand for UAV pilots is rapidly growing. He explained that beyond promoting gender inclusiveness in a traditionally male-dominated field, the SHEFLY project will equip women to take advantage of emerging opportunities in UAV technology. Upon completion of the programme, the trained female engineers and scientists will go on to train rural women farmers on how to use drone technology to monitor crops, apply fertilisers, and improve farm yields.
A statement from NASENI’s director of information, Mr. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan confirmed that the SHEFLY project will soon be officially launched at the Aeronautic and Air Vehicle Development Institute (AAVDI) in Kaduna. He explained that the programme is designed to boost food security, improve agricultural productivity and increase the income of rural women farmers. The initiative aims to deploy trained female drone pilots to support precision farming, empower rural women with innovative tools, and foster sustainable agricultural practices nationwide, positioning Nigeria at the forefront of technology-enabled farming solutions.
