The Nigerian engineering community is throwing its weight behind a major international technology summit aimed at bridging the digital divide across Africa and beyond.
Engineering Body Endorses Global Connectivity Event
In a significant move demonstrating professional unity, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has promised complete support for the successful organization of the IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CTU-EMEA) Summit 2025. This important gathering is scheduled to take place on November 27–28, 2025, at Baze University in Abuja.
The IEEE CTU-EMEA Summit represents a premier initiative of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), bringing together technology pioneers, researchers, and engineering professionals from around the world. Their collective mission is to explore how technological advancements can promote digital inclusion throughout the EMEA region.
APC Chairman to Deliver Keynote Address
The summit's organizing committee has announced that Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, will serve as the keynote speaker. Professor Yilwatda, a distinguished electrical engineer and academic, will also be honored with the IEEE Recognition Award during the event.
His keynote presentation will focus on the compelling theme: "Beyond Access: Technology as an Enabler of Humanitarian Impact and Inclusive Development."
Professor Yilwatda expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating: "The vision of the CTU-EMEA Summit aligns strongly with my lifelong commitment to leveraging technology for social transformation, inclusive growth, and human development. I look forward to contributing to this global dialogue on how digital innovation can advance connectivity and human dignity across Africa and beyond."
National Mobilization for Technical Advancement
Acknowledging the strategic importance of this international gathering, the NSE has committed to mobilizing its members across Nigeria. In official correspondence to the Local Organizing Committee, NSE Executive Secretary Abubakar Halilu Mu'azu guaranteed that the Secretariat would "do the needful in mobilizing members to attend the Summit."
Mu'azu emphasized that such global engagements "expand technical knowledge, foster innovation, and strengthen Nigeria's global engineering reputation."
The IEEE CTU-EMEA Summit arrives at a crucial moment for Africa's digital economy. With approximately 2.9 billion people worldwide still lacking internet access—many residing in African nations—the summit will highlight practical strategies to eliminate connectivity barriers and create more inclusive digital societies.
