The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), in partnership with the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT), has reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to supporting women-led innovation and increasing female representation in engineering, with the formal launch of DELT-Her 2.0.
The second phase of the Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her) initiative was launched on Monday, May 19, 2025, at NASENI’s headquarters in Abuja. Unveiling the new proposal portal, executive vice chairman/CEO of NASENI, Khalil Halilu underscored the government’s ambition to double the number of female engineers in Nigeria within the next five years.
Halilu described DELT-Her as a transformative movement that positions Nigerian women at the forefront of technological progress. “DELT-Her is not just a programme – it is a rallying call for inclusive innovation. It offers funding, mentorship and exposure to global platforms. We are witnessing a growing wave of women-led tech solutions addressing some of our nation’s biggest challenges,” he said.
Highlighting the achievements of the programme’s first phase in 2024, he disclosed that over ₦70.5 million was disbursed to six outstanding female engineers who developed pioneering solutions, including AI-powered soil monitoring, drone surveillance systems and sustainable automotive brake pads. He added that the programme is also backed by a strategic partnership with the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, further strengthening the ecosystem for female innovators in Nigeria.
In his address, chairman of PICTT, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru described DELT-Her as a flagship initiative targeting the structural underrepresentation of women in the engineering sector. “Women account for only five percent of engineers in Nigeria, compared to 28 per cent globally. This initiative aims to change that narrative by empowering women with not just funding, but mentorship and the tools to scale their innovations,” he stated.
Dahiru commended the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) for its continuous support and acknowledged the impact of the first cohort of DELT-Her awardees in driving inclusive technological development.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on NASENI, Senator Francis Onyewuchi also addressed the gathering, pledging the National Assembly’s full support in driving inclusive innovation and ensuring more women have access to opportunities in engineering and technology.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Women’s Affairs, permanent secretary, Maryam Chira Keshinro lauded the initiative as a timely intervention to correct gender imbalances in STEM. She emphasised that programmes like DELT-Her are essential for unlocking Nigeria’s full innovation potential and advancing national development.
Also present was Engr. Mistura Rafiu, representing NSE president, Engr. Margaret Oguntola, who reaffirmed the NSE’s commitment to promoting gender equity in science and engineering fields.
A statement signed by the deputy director of information at NASENI, Chima Akwaja noted that other dignitaries, including Rinsola Abiola, senior special assistant to the president on citizens and leadership and pioneer mandate secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi commended the programme’s vision and urged aspiring female engineers to apply.
The DELT-Her 2.0 proposal portal is live at www.delther.pictt.gov.ng and will remain open until July 31, 2025. The initiative continues to unlock new pathways for Nigerian women in engineering to build, lead and scale transformative tech solutions.
