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 commitment to empowering women in engineering in Nigeria with the official launch of DELT-Her 2.0—the second phase of the Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her initiative.
According to a press release signed by NASENI’s Deputy Director of Information, the event was held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at NASENI Headquarters. Speaking at the launch, NASENI Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, stated that the initiative aims to double the number of female engineers in Nigeria within five years.
He described DELT-Her as a groundbreaking platform that supports female innovators in STEM through funding, mentorship, and access to international innovation networks. “DELT-Her is fueling a wave of women-led engineering solutions to Nigeria’s toughest challenges,” Halilu said, referencing success stories from the first cohort, including AI-powered soil monitoring tools, drone-based security systems, and eco-friendly brake pads.
In 2024, the first phase of DELT-Her awarded over N70.5 million to six exceptional women engineers. The second phase promises expanded support, strengthened by partnerships with PICTT and the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, aimed at building a thriving innovation ecosystem for women-led tech startups in Nigeria.
Chairman of PICTT, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru, described DELT-Her as a flagship initiative for gender inclusion in technology and engineering. He emphasized the urgent need to improve female participation in Nigeria’s engineering sector, where women currently represent only 5%, compared to 28% globally.
Dr. Dahiru also highlighted the program’s dual focus on funding and mentorship, enabling women engineers to turn their ideas into scalable tech ventures. He acknowledged the continued support of the Nigerian Society of Engineers in advancing the program’s goals.
The DELT-Her 2.0 application portal is now open at www.delther.pictt.gov.ng and will close on July 31, 2025. The program is open to women across Nigeria and encourages applications from emerging female leaders in STEM fields.
