In a strong show of professional solidarity and commitment to Nigeria’s digital future, 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 is a flagship event dedicated to gathering global technology leaders, researchers, and engineers to discuss how innovation can drive comprehensive digital inclusion across the EMEA region.
The Summit’s Local 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 the official Keynote Speaker.
An accomplished electrical engineer and academic, Prof. Yilwatda will also receive the prestigious IEEE Recognition Award during the summit. His keynote will focus on the pivotal role of connectivity under 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 Mobilizes Engineers Nationwide
Recognizing the strategic importance of hosting this world-class forum, the Nigerian Society of Engineers has committed to actively mobilizing its members nationwide to ensure robust participation.
Engr. Abubakar Halilu Mu’azu, Executive Secretary, confirmed the commitment, assuring the Local Organizing Committee that the Secretariat would “do the needful in mobilizing members to attend the Summit.” Engr. Mu’azu stressed that global engagements such as this are essential to “expand technical knowledge, foster innovation, and strengthen Nigeria’s global engineering reputation.”
A Strategic Moment to Tackle the Digital Divide
The IEEE CTU-EMEA Summit arrives at a defining moment for Africa’s digital economy. With 2.9 billion people worldwide still offline—a significant portion residing in Africa—the Summit will spotlight strategies to close connectivity gaps. The event will focus on creating African-led solutions that are viable and scalable across the continent, highlighting the fact that every 10% increase in internet penetration can add 1.2% to per capita GDP growth in emerging markets.