Engineering Council Backs IEEE Summit; Announces APC Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda Confirmed as Keynote Speaker

In a strong show of professional solidarity, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has pledged its full support for the successful hosting of the IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CTU-EMEA) Summit 2025, scheduled for November 27–28, 2025, at Baze University, Abuja.

The IEEE CTU-EMEA Summit, a flagship event of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), will gather global technology leaders, researchers, and engineers to discuss how innovation can drive digital inclusion across the EMEA region.

APC’s Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda to Deliver Keynote Address

The Summit’s organizing committee has confirmed Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as Keynote Speaker.

An accomplished electrical engineer and academic, Prof. Yilwatda will also receive the IEEE Recognition Award during the Summit. His keynote presentation will centre on the theme:
“Beyond Access: Technology as an Enabler of Humanitarian Impact and Inclusive Development.”

“The vision of the CTU-EMEA Summit aligns strongly with my lifelong commitment to leveraging technology for social transformation, inclusive growth, and human development,” said Prof. Yilwatda. “I look forward to contributing to this global dialogue on how digital innovation can advance connectivity and human dignity across Africa and beyond.”

NSE to Mobilize Engineers Nationwide for Participation

Recognizing the strategic importance of the event, the Nigerian Society of Engineers has committed to mobilizing members nationwide.
In a formal communication to the Local Organizing Committee, Engr. Abubakar Halilu Mu’azu, NSE Executive Secretary, assured that the Secretariat will “do the needful in mobilizing members to attend the Summit,” stressing that such global engagements “expand technical knowledge, foster innovation, and strengthen Nigeria’s global engineering reputation.”

Tackling Africa’s Digital Divide

The IEEE CTU-EMEA Summit comes at a defining moment for Africa’s digital economy. With 2.9 billion people worldwide still offline, many of them in Africa, the Summit will spotlight strategies to close connectivity gaps.

Data from UNESCO reveals that women in several African countries are 30–50% less likely than men to access the internet.

Studies also show that every 10% increase in internet penetration can add 1.2% to per capita GDP growth in emerging markets, making universal connectivity a key driver of economic transformation.

Comprehensive Program and Global Participation

The Summit will feature:

• Opening ceremony with ministerial and industry leaders
• Eight technical tracks on infrastructure, policy, rural connectivity, and digital transformation
• High-level panels with African and international experts
• Research paper presentations and innovation workshops
• A technology exhibition showcasing connectivity solutions
• Social and networking events, including a Welcome Cocktail (Nov 26) and Gala Dinner (Nov 28)

According to Chukwuemeka Okafor, media interface for the Summit, confirmed speakers include senior government officials, telecom CEOs, development partners, and leading academics.

“This is not just another conference, it’s a platform for shaping policies and forging partnerships that will define Africa’s digital future,” Okafor stated.

IEEE’s Global Mission Anchored in Nigeria

Founded in 1884, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the world’s largest technical professional organization with over 423,000 members in 160+ countries.

The Connecting the Unconnected (CTU) program is IEEE’s global initiative dedicated to reducing the digital divide through innovation challenges, partnerships, and international summits.

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.”