The Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has given the sum of ₦230million in grant in aid to 14 women who are exceptional innovators for their exceptional contributions to science engineering, technology, and science.
The grant was distributed under the Development Engineering leaders through Her (DELT-Her) Project 2025 which is an initiative that aims to eliminate gaps in gender equality within science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
It was revealed on Thursday, by the Executive Vice Chair and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu. He made the announcement during the award and grant presentation Ceremony which was held in Abuja.
Promoting Women in Engineering
He said that Mr. Halilu stated that the DELT-Her project was initiated in collaboration together with Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT) to empower women who are innovators and increase Nigeria’s technological capabilities.
“Women currently make up only five percent of the engineering sector, which is not encouraging considering their vital roles in national development,” Halilu told the Observer.
The competition received a staggering 10,000 submissions which is a huge increase of 100 applications that were received at the time of last year’s editionas a sign of increasing female interest in innovations and technology.
“The rise in participation indicates growing interest among women to take part in engineering and innovating. We’re determined to keep this trend,” he added.
Funding Innovation Through DELT-Her
Its grants of ₦230million comes as part of the NASENI’s overall strategy to increase gender diversity and stimulate creative problem solving in Nigeria’s engineering industry.
Every one of the 14 recipients received financial assistance to develop further initiatives that are likely of helping provide employment, drive local manufacturing and increase the national industrialisation goal..
According to NASENI The grants will help recipients improve their ideas, increase the quality of their production, and also explore commercial opportunities to scale their innovations to both international and local markets.
The Leadership Voices
Dr. Muhammad Dahiru, Chairman of the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer He praised the recipients for their dedication and creativity.
He urged those in the industry to invest more in female-led innovation and described it as a crucial driving force behind technological and economic advancement.
“We recommend that these innovative individuals be role models, and encourage younger girls to pursue STEM education. Future of nation’s growth depends on the equal participation of all,” Dr. Dahiru stated.
Beneficiaries Share Their Impact
A few of the recipients -which included Risikat Adeniyi Chiamaka Ozoemena and Dr. Zainab Rabiu — expressed their gratitude for the award, describing the recognition as the equivalent of a “dream come true”.
They have pledged that they would use the money to enhance their innovations and help the development of Nigeria’s industry and scientific research especially in the areas of digital manufacturing, renewable energy and agricultural technology.
Project Expansion and Impact
Olamide Apejoye Director of Projects for DELT-Her, has confirmed the fact that over 9000 applications were reviewed in the last year. The funding is a significant step in NASENI’s efforts to overcome the gender gap in the engineering field.
“The ₦230 million grant will significantly expand the role of women in driving engineering innovation across the country,” she said.
NASENI reiterated its commitment to continue the DELT-Her program each year and plans to raise the amount of funding and extend mentorship programs to remote and underserved regions where women are faced with barriers to STEM education and research.
Conclusion
The DELT-Her Project 2025 is among Nigeria’s most ambitious projects to help women excel in engineering and science. Through investing in female innovators, NASENI and its partners will ensure that women have a major part in developing Nigeria’s future technological capabilities.
The ₦230 million in grants do not just honor excellence, but also affirm this commitment of the Federal government to inclusive technological advancement, gender equity and sustainable development of the nation by advancing the use of science and technology.