Abuja, Nigeria
The Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, has called for greater gender inclusion in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, declaring that women are essential to the country’s progress in science, engineering, and technology.
Speaking at the Developing Engineering Leaders through HER (DELT-HER) initiative, a flagship programme jointly organised by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PiCTT) – Dr. Uzoka-Anite emphasized that national prosperity depends on the full participation of women and girls in innovation-driven sectors.
“Sustainable development cannot be achieved when 50 percent of the population, the girl child and women are underrepresented in key sectors like science, engineering, and innovation,” she stated. “Innovation thrives when diversity is embraced. Women bring different perspectives and unique approaches to problem-solving.”
The Minister commended NASENI and PiCTT for creating a forward-looking platform that empowers young women with technical and leadership skills, mentorship opportunities, and innovation grants. She highlighted the importance of equipping women with the tools needed to excel in science and engineering, stressing that empowering women directly accelerates community advancement and national development.
“When we unlock the potential of women and girls, we accelerate family prosperity, community advancement, and national development,” she said, describing the DELT-HER initiative as a catalyst for inclusive socio-economic growth.
The programme, which awarded over ₦229 million in grants to 14 women engineers, supports innovative projects in agriculture, clean energy, health, digital security, and mobility. The initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to industrial innovation and gender equity under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite reaffirmed that the Ministry of Finance will continue to collaborate with NASENI and other institutions to promote technology transfer, industrial growth, and women’s participation in the innovation economy. She congratulated the award recipients, noting that their success represents a powerful example of how women can drive technological transformation and contribute to national development.
The event was attended by prominent figures including Senator Ezenwa Onyenwuchi Francis, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NASENI; Engr. Prof. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Chief Executive Officer of NASENI; and Dr. Dahiru Mohammed, Chairman of PiCTT.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite concluded by reaffirming her belief that investing in women is an investment in the nation’s future. “When women rise, nations prosper,” she stated, encouraging more collaboration to ensure that every Nigerian girl has access to the tools, mentorship, and opportunities that enable innovation and leadership.
