N230 Million Boost: Nigeria’s female Engineers Drive STEM Revolution

The Federal Government, through the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT) and National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has disbursed ₦230 million in grants to fourteen exceptional women advancing progress in science, technology, and engineering. This funding was announced during the Award and Grant Presentation Ceremony for the second phase of the Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her) Project 2025.

About the Initiative

The DELT-Her initiative, jointly organized by PICTT and NASENI, aims to close the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields by supporting high-potential women innovators and engineers across Nigeria. The 14 grant recipients will use the ₦230 million to promote female participation and drive innovation in engineering and technology nationwide.

Key Highlights

• Nearly 10,000 applications were received for this year’s edition, a 9,000% increase from last year’s 100+ participants.
• Women currently make up only 5% of Nigeria’s engineering sector, underscoring the need for initiatives like DELT-Her.
• Grant beneficiaries, including Risikat Adeniyi, Chiamaka Ozoemena, and Dr. Zainab Rabiu, pledged to contribute to Nigeria’s scientific and industrial growth.

Stakeholder Perspectives

NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, emphasized the program’s growth and the commitment to sustaining momentum for women in STEM. Dr. Muhammad Dahiru, Chairman of PICTT, urged stakeholders to support the women driving technological transformation and encouraged beneficiaries to inspire young girls. Project Coordinator Olamide Apejoye confirmed the grant’s potential to enhance women’s impact in engineering.