Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, has announced that the Federal Government plans to empower 10 million women through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by the year 2027.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim made this known on Monday in Abuja during the official launch of the portal for proposals under the Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-HER) initiative.
Represented by Maryam Keshinro, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Sulaiman-Ibrahim, noted that her Ministry had been given a mandate to empower 10 million women.
She said, “As the Minister of Women Affairs, I hold a clear mandate under the renewed hope agenda of the President Bola Tinubu to empower 10 million women by 2027.
“This is beyond an aspirational goal. It is a strategic national commitment. Young women, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and innovation, are essential to achieving this goal.”
The Ministry has developed a 2024–2027 strategic roadmap that outlines a clear blueprint for advancing gender equality, promoting child and youth development, and driving inclusive growth.
“Within this roadmap, we are prioritisng skills development, digital access, entrepreneurship, innovation acceleration, and strong public-private partnerships to ensure long-term, sustainable impact,” she noted.
Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), in his remarks, described the Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-HER) initiative as a bold step toward achieving gender balance in Nigeria’s technology sector.
“As we celebrate the DELT-HER program, we recognize it as a transformative movement that empowers women to shape the future of technology in Nigeria,” he said. “This movement matters because currently, women make up only 5% of engineers in Nigeria, compared to the global average of 28%. That gap must be addressed.”
Halilu emphasised his commitment to creating a model of gender balance where women’s ideas drive innovation with both local and global impact.
He further stated that through DELT-HER, the program is offering grants, mentorship, and global exposure—including partnerships such as the recent collaboration with AFRI Labs in Cape Town, aimed at amplifying women’s voices in tech.
“We are bridging the divide by working with key organizations, including the Presidential Implementation Committee, to ensure this vision becomes reality,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Muhammed Dahiru, Chairman of the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT), emphasised the broader vision behind the initiative.
“As we launch this programme, we’re not just inviting applications — we’re inviting a movement. Successful applicants will receive funding, mentorship from leading industry experts, and the support needed to transform their ideas into viable start-up businesses”, he stated.
Francis Onyewuchi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Senator, commended the initiative, noting, “What NASENI is doing today directly addresses the barriers that hinder female participation in engineering.
