NASENI, Caverton commence UAV training for female engineers

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), in collaboration with Caverton Helicopters, has commenced a six-week training programme for 10 selected female engineers and scientists in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology.

The training, which began on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Caverton’s training school in Ikeja, Lagos, is part of the ongoing NASENI-Caverton (NASCAV) partnership. The initiative aligns with NASENI’s aviation mandate and supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by leveraging technology for national development.

The training is a key component of the SHEFLY project—a visionary initiative of NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu—aimed at empowering rural women to adopt drone technology for precision agriculture and enhanced food production.

Speaking on behalf of NASENI’s management, Dr. Abayomi Okesola, Team Lead of the NASCAV project, described Caverton as a reliable partner with a strong reputation in aviation and marine services. He emphasized that the SHEFLY project is close to the heart of the EVC/CEO and is designed to bridge the gender gap in STEM by empowering women in UAV technology.

Representing Caverton’s Managing Director, Captain Bello Ibrahim, the Director of Corporate Services, Mr. Ayodele Omueti, stressed the importance of training in maintaining aviation safety and competitiveness. He noted the increasing relevance of UAVs in modern aviation and encouraged participants to fully engage in the programme.

Also speaking, Caverton Drones Project Coordinator, Mr. Ese Obukonise, stated that the programme is certified by a UK licensing authority and follows global best practices. He highlighted the growing global demand for UAV pilots and praised the SHEFLY project for promoting gender inclusiveness in a male-dominated field.

Upon completion, the trainees will be deployed to train rural women farmers in the use of drone technology for improved crop monitoring, yield forecasting, and overall agricultural productivity.

The SHEFLY project is set to be officially launched at NASENI’s Aeronautic and Air Vehicle Development Institute (AAVDI) in Kaduna. It aims to enhance food security, increase incomes of rural women, and encourage the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices through innovative technology.