The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), in collaboration with Caverton Helicopters, has commenced a six-week intensive training for 10 selected female engineers and scientists on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology.
The training, which began on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Caverton’s training school in Ikeja, Lagos, marks the second batch under the NASENI-Caverton (NASCAV) partnership aimed at advancing the agency’s aviation mandate. It is a major stride in the rollout of NASENI’s SHEFLY project—an initiative championed by the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, to empower rural women through drone technology for precision farming.
Speaking on behalf of NASENI management, Team Lead of the NASCAV Project, Dr. Abayomi Okesola, described the training as a milestone, highlighting CAVERTON’s reputable presence in aviation and marine sectors. He reiterated that the SHEFLY project is dear to the heart of the NASENI boss, who envisions the initiative as a bridge to narrow the gender gap in STEM and boost food production across Nigeria.
“The selection of female trainees from different zones is a deliberate move. They will eventually lead training clusters to empower rural women with drone knowledge for agricultural use,” Dr. Okesola said.
Also speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of CAVERTON Helicopters, Captain Bello Ibrahim, represented by Director of Corporate Services, Mr. Ayodele Omueti, emphasized the relevance of UAVs in modern aviation. He commended the timing of the program, urging the trainees to remain committed in acquiring skills that align with global advancements.
Project Coordinator of Caverton Drones, Mr. Ese Obukonise, stated that the training is grounded in aerodynamic principles and certified by a UK licensing authority, ensuring it meets international standards. He noted the growing global demand for UAV pilots and stressed that the SHEFLY project will promote gender inclusion while equipping women with practical skills in drone technology.
“The SHEFLY project is not just about technology—it is about transforming agriculture, empowering rural women, and supporting national food security,” Obukonise said.
The SHEFLY project is set to be launched soon at NASENI’s Aeronautic and Air Vehicle Development Institute (AAVDI) in Kaduna. It aims to train and deploy female drone pilots to rural areas, enabling women farmers to adopt precision farming techniques, improve crop yields, and raise their income through sustainable practices.