By 
Abuja’s Baze University is set to host the prestigious IEEE Connecting the Unconnected (CTU) Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) Summit in November 2025, a landmark event for the continent’s digital future.
RELATED: IEEE CTU Africa 2025: Abuja Summit to drive Nigeria’s rural connectivity and policy innovation across Africa
The local organizing committee recently held a high-level meeting with the university’s management to finalize preparations for the summit. This event convenes global leaders to tackle the challenge of connecting 2.9 billion people worldwide who remain without internet access.
A Watershed Moment for Africa’s Digital Agenda
The upcoming summit, themed “Bridging Digital Frontiers: African Solutions for Universal Connectivity,” marks a significant first for Nigeria. Chukwuemeka Gerald Okafor, the General Conference Chair, emphasized the event’s historic nature.
He stated it will bring together “over 200 global leaders including ministers, regulators, industry CEOs, and technology innovators.” They will all be focusing specifically on homegrown solutions for universal connectivity.
This is the first time Nigeria will host a major IEEE CTU international summit of this magnitude, placing the country at the center of a critical global conversation.
High-Level Collaboration for a Landmark Event
The strategic partnership between IEEE and Baze University was solidified during the visit by a high-level IEEE delegation. Led by Professor Ifeayinwa Achumba, IEEE Nigeria Section Chair, the delegation included key organizers like Nneoma Offodile, Local Organizing Committee Chair, and Engr. Abdulateef Aliyu, IEEE Region 8 Representative.
They met with Baze University’s management team, led by Prof. Osita, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), who represented the Vice Chancellor. The university leadership reaffirmed its commitment to providing world-class facilities and support, ensuring the event’s success.
Focusing on Actionable “African Solutions”
The summit has already secured confirmations from a diverse range of high-profile participants. They include government ministers, representatives from international bodies like the World Bank and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Others ate telecommunications executives, leading researchers and other industry stakeholders. This gathering is positioned to move beyond discussion to actionable strategies, leveraging African innovation to bridge the digital divide across the EMEA region and beyond.
