This The Federal Government has taken another bold step toward gender inclusion and national progress by empowering women in STEM through a groundbreaking ₦230 million Innovation grant. The disbursement, made through the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, celebrates the creativity and innovation of fourteen outstanding women whose work continues to shape the future of science, technology, and engineering in Nigeria.
At the Award and Grant Presentation Ceremony in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Halilu, expressed pride in the recipients’ achievements and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to empowering women innovators. He explained that the initiative goes beyond financial support—it is an investment in the nation’s intellectual capital and a strategic effort to accelerate inclusive technological growth.
The initiative, titled Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her) Project 2025, was jointly organised by the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer and NASENI. Together, they aim to bridge Nigeria’s gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics by providing opportunities for women to excel, lead, and inspire.
During his address, Halilu emphasized that empowering women in technology is essential for Nigeria’s sustainable development. He noted that inclusive innovation unlocks creativity, fosters problem-solving, and drives national productivity. According to him, women must not only participate in the technology space but must also lead groundbreaking projects that define the country’s future.
He further highlighted that this second phase of DELT-Her builds on the remarkable success of the first phase, which supported several female innovators across the country. This continuity, he said, proves the government’s dedication to long-term empowerment rather than one-time interventions. Each recipient, selected through a rigorous process, demonstrated excellence, originality, and potential for high social impact.
The atmosphere during the ceremony reflected optimism and unity. Several beneficiaries shared their experiences, expressing gratitude to NASENI and PICTT for believing in their vision. Many described the grant as life-changing, allowing them to scale their innovations, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s industrial growth.
Observers commended the Federal Government’s approach to promoting gender equity through technology and innovation. They agreed that initiatives like DELT-Her demonstrate the power of collaboration between government and women-led enterprises in building a stronger, more inclusive economy.
Halilu concluded by reaffirming NASENI’s mission to support local talent, strengthen innovation systems, and enhance the country’s capacity for technological independence. He noted that this vision aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusive growth, gender balance, and youth empowerment.
As Nigeria accelerates toward becoming a knowledge-based economy, the role of women in STEM continues to expand. With more platforms like DELT-Her, young girls can now see that innovation grant previlidge knows no gender. The success of these fourteen women serves as a beacon of hope, proving that with the right support, Nigerian women can lead global scientific advancement.
This initiative not only celebrates innovation but also reinforces a simple truth—when women rise in STEM, the entire nation rises with them.
