The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), in collaboration with the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT), has awarded N229 million in grants to 14 female engineers under the Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her 2.0) initiative. The programme seeks to expand women’s participation in science, technology, and innovation while advancing inclusive and sustainable national development.
Selected from a pool of 9,925 project proposals, the 14 recipients will develop practical solutions across key sectors including agriculture, clean energy, healthcare, mobility, digital security, and environmental sustainability.
NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the initiative demonstrates the agency’s dedication to gender inclusion and indigenous innovation. He explained that DELT-Her provides a platform for women to transform bold engineering ideas into impactful, real-world solutions. “At NASENI, we believe empowering women engineers is essential to achieving balanced progress in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem,” he said.
Since its inception, DELT-Her has trained and mentored more than 150 young women across five states, growing from just six awardees in 2024 to a nationwide platform in 2025. The programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes technological diversification, youth empowerment, and the inclusion of women in STEM-driven economic growth.
Stakeholders have commended the initiative for its role in bridging gender gaps in Nigeria’s science and engineering landscape. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Minister of State for Finance Doris Udoka both praised the programme as a catalyst for sustainable growth and innovation.
They reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting policies that promote inclusive innovation, local content development, and women-led enterprises in the technology sector.
For women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the grants signal a new wave of opportunities in high-impact sectors such as renewable energy, health technology, and agri-innovation.
By equipping women with the resources and mentorship needed to develop homegrown engineering solutions, the DELT-Her initiative is helping to build a more inclusive and resilient economy driven by local innovation and female leadership.
