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The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has pledged its full support for the upcoming IEEE Connecting the Unconnected (CTU-EMEA) Summit 2025. A significant endorsement, the NSE is the umbrella body for all professionals engineers in Nigeria. The landmark event, scheduled for November in Abuja, also confirmed Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as its keynote speaker, merging high-level policy with technical expertise to address Africa’s digital divide.
High-Profile Keynote to Focus on Humanitarian Impact
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, an accomplished electrical engineer and former Minister, will deliver a keynote address titled “Beyond Access: Technology as an Enabler of Humanitarian Impact and Inclusive Development.”
He will also receive an IEEE Recognition Award at the summit. His involvement underscores the critical intersection of technology, policy, and social development. The immediate past Minister of Humanitarian Affairs will highlight the summit’s goal of moving beyond mere connectivity to creating tangible human impact.
NSE Mobilizes National Membership for Landmark Event
The NSE has committed to actively mobilizing its members across Nigeria to participate in the summit.
“Engr. Abubakar Halilu Mu’azu, NSE Executive Secretary, affirmed that such global engagements are vital for expand[ing] technical knowledge.”
He said it will also help in foster[ing] innovation and strengthen[ing] Nigeria’s global engineering reputation. This institutional backing ensures strong local participation from the country’s engineering corps.
A Crucial Platform for Tackling Africa’s Digital Divide
The IEEE CTU-EMEA Summit represents a pivotal moment for Africa’s digital future. It will convene global leaders to develop strategies for connecting the 2.9 billion people worldwide who remain offline. A significant portion of unconnected people are in Africa. The summit’s agenda is backed by data showing that a 10% increase in internet penetration can boost per capita GDP by 1.2% in emerging markets. This data significantly make the IEEE CTU-EMEA Summit’s focus directly relevant to economic transformation.
A Comprehensive Agenda for a Connected Future
The two-day summit at Baze University will feature a robust program designed to foster actionable outcomes:
- High-level panels with ministers, telecom CEOs, and academics
- Eight technical tracks covering infrastructure, policy, and rural connectivity
- Research presentations and innovation workshops
- A technology exhibition showcasing practical connectivity solutions
- Networking events to forge new partnerships
According to the organizers, the event is positioned not just as a conference, but as an active platform for shaping the policies and partnerships that will define Africa’s digital landscape for years to come.
“This is not just another conference — it’s a platform for shaping policies and forging partnerships that will define Africa’s digital future,” said Chukwuemeka Okafor, media interface for the Summit.
Engr. Abdulateef Aliyu, IEEE Regional Representative, described the event as “a testament to Nigeria’s capacity to host world-class technology forums and an opportunity for global participants to learn from African innovations.”
A Strategic Moment for Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem
Prof. Ifeayinwa Achumba, IEEE Nigeria Section Chair, emphasized the national significance of hosting the CTU-EMEA Summit:
“When global leaders converge in Abuja, they will see Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa’s connectivity agenda. This Summit highlights that African-led solutions are not only viable but scalable across the continent.”
