The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), through its Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT), has awarded N70.5 million in grants to six female engineers under the Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her) initiative. The initiative, launched on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2024, is part of NASENI’s Delta-2 program aimed at reducing gender disparity in Nigeria’s engineering and technology sectors by supporting the innovative ideas and projects of young female engineers.
The grant award ceremony, held at NASENI’s headquarters in Abuja, was attended by top officials, including the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, who was represented by Dr. Nonyem Onyechi, the Coordinating Director of Planning and Business Development. In her speech, Dr. Onyechi emphasized the significance of empowering women in traditionally male-dominated fields such as engineering and technology. She noted that the selected projects from the female engineers were not only innovative but also had the potential to solve real-world problems.
“DELT-Her is aimed at providing women with the tools, platforms, and support they need to excel in engineering and technology,” she said, stressing the importance of creating an environment where women can thrive in these fields.
Dr. Mohammed Dahiru, Chairman of PICTT, praised the exceptional quality of the projects submitted, explaining that over 120 applications had been received, but only six outstanding projects were selected after a rigorous evaluation process. He explained that the grants would cover the full cost estimates of the selected projects, with additional technical support and connections to partners for commercialization.
“This event marks the sowing of a seed that will contribute to transforming Nigeria’s technological landscape through the active participation of women,” said Dahiru. He also pointed out that the timing of the awards, following the International Day of the Girl Child, aimed to inspire younger generations to pursue careers in science and engineering.
Among the winners, Engr. Rukkaya Abdulmutalib was awarded for her project on an artificial intelligence-censored machine designed to monitor soil health for greenhouses, while Patience Ibrahim-Janda’s innovation focused on producing automobile brake pads from organic waste. Other recipients include Engr. Amina Ibrahim Khaleel, who developed a drone for real-time security and target tracking, and Engr. Dr. Kudirat Oyewumi Jimoh, whose project involved an electronic training board for science and engineering students. Engr. Dr. Ikechukwu Ijeoma Francisca was recognized for her work on an automatic Bambara flour processing machine, and Engr. Abisola Ayomide Olayiwola was awarded for creating a solar-powered snail shelling machine.
Several of the recipients have also been selected to participate in the AFRI Lab Annual gathering in Cape Town, South Africa, further broadening their opportunities for exposure and collaboration.
To commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, the event also featured exhibitions by four junior secondary schools, showcasing their innovative technological devices. These included a fuel-less generator, a mini-refinery for converting waste plastic into fuel, and other solar-powered innovations.
The DELT-Her initiative is a key part of NASENI’s mission to foster technological advancement and gender inclusion in Nigeria, with the ultimate goal of empowering women to contribute significantly to the country’s engineering and technological development.