The local organizing committee of the IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CTU-EMEA) Summit 2025 on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the management of Baze University, Abuja, the host institution for the landmark event scheduled for November 27-28, 2025.
The high-level meeting, which brought together IEEE Nigeria leadership and Baze University’s top management, focused on finalizing preparations for what promises to be one of Africa’s most significant digital inclusion conferences, themed “Bridging Digital Frontiers: African Solutions for Universal Connectivity”.
High-Level Delegation Signals Summit’s Strategic Importance
The IEEE CTU EMEA delegation was led by Professor Ifeayinwa Achumba, IEEE Nigeria Section Chair, and included Chukwuemeka Gerald Okafor, General Conference Chair, who presented comprehensive updates on the Summit’s progress and global significance.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Okafor emphasized the historic nature of the Summit, stating that the event represents a watershed moment for Africa’s digital transformation agenda.
“This is the first time Nigeria is hosting a major IEEE CTU international summit of this magnitude. We are bringing together over 200 global leaders, ministers, regulators, industry CEOs, and technology innovators, to address the challenge of connecting 2.9 billion unconnected people worldwide, with particular focus on African solutions,” Mr. Okafor said.
The General Conference Chair outlined the significant progress made in securing high-profile speakers and participants, including confirmations from government ministers, international development partners such as the World Bank and ITU, telecommunications executives, and leading researchers from across the EMEA region.
Strategic Partnership for Digital Inclusion
Other members of the IEEE CTU EMEA delegation included Nneoma Offodile, Local Organizing Committee Chair; Engr. Abdulateef Aliyu, IEEE Region 8 Representative; and Dr. John Odey, all of whom contributed to discussions on technical, logistical, and programmatic aspects of the Summit.
The Baze University management team, led by Prof. Osita, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), who represented the Vice Chancellor, included Dr. Abdulazeez Rotimi, the Dean of Engineering, Prof. A.D. Usman, Engr. Yusuf Usman, and other senior university officials. The university leadership expressed enthusiasm about hosting the Summit and reaffirmed their commitment to providing world-class facilities and support services for the international gathering.
Prof. Osita noted that hosting the CTU-EMEA Summit aligns perfectly with Baze University’s vision of becoming a hub for technology innovation and international academic collaboration.
“We are honored that IEEE selected Baze University as the venue for this prestigious event. This partnership enhances our institution’s global visibility and provides our students and faculty unprecedented access to world-class expertise in connectivity and digital transformation,” he said.
Comprehensive Summit Program Unveiled
During the presentation, the organizing committee provided detailed insights into the Summit’s ambitious program, which includes:
- Opening ceremony with ministerial presence and keynote addresses from global technology leaders
- Eight technical tracks covering Infrastructure and Technologies, Policy and Regulation, Rural Connectivity Innovations, Digital Transformation, and Regional Cooperation
- Panel discussions featuring African and international experts sharing practical insights on scaling connectivity solutions
- Paper presentations and workshops showcasing cutting-edge research and innovations
- Exhibition area where technology companies and startups will demonstrate connectivity solutions
- Social events including a Welcome Cocktail (November 26) and Gala Dinner (November 28) for networking and collaboration
Chukwuemeka Okafor highlighted that confirmed speakers include senior government officials, CEOs from major telecommunications companies, representatives from development partners, and leading academics specializing in connectivity technologies.
“We have assembled an extraordinary lineup of speakers who will share actionable insights on bridging Africa’s digital divide. This is not just another conference, it’s a platform for shaping policies and forging partnerships that will define Africa’s digital future,” he emphasized.
Addressing Africa’s Digital Divide
The Summit comes at a critical time when digital connectivity has become essential for economic development, education, healthcare, and social inclusion. Currently, 2.9 billion people globally remain unconnected to the internet, with a significant concentration in Africa.
According to UNESCO data, in several African countries, women are 30-50% less likely than men to access the internet, highlighting the gender dimension of the digital divide. Additionally, research shows that each additional 10% increase in internet penetration adds 1.2% to per capita GDP growth in emerging markets, underscoring the economic imperative of universal connectivity.
The CTU-EMEA Summit will address these challenges through focused discussions on:
- Innovative infrastructure deployment strategies for underserved markets
- Policy and regulatory frameworks that enable connectivity expansion
- Sustainable financing models including Universal Service Funds and public-private partnerships
- Technologies such as satellite, fiber optic, 5G/6G, and community networks
- Digital transformation case studies from smart cities, e-government, fintech, and agriculture
University-Summit Partnership Benefits
The meeting also addressed logistical arrangements and expectations from Baze University toward hosting a successful event.
Discussions covered venue requirements, technology infrastructure, catering services, accommodation options, security arrangements, and support services for international delegates.
The organizing committee expressed confidence in Baze University’s capacity to provide the necessary facilities and emphasized opportunities for student engagement, including:
- Volunteer opportunities for Baze University students
- Complimentary or discounted registration for students to attend sessions
- Exposure to international experts and networking opportunities
- Potential research collaborations between faculty and global institutions
- Professional development for ICT and engineering students
Nneoma Offodile, Local Organizing Committee Chair, emphasized that the Summit would leave a lasting legacy beyond the two-day event.
“We are committed to ensuring that Nigerian students, particularly those from Baze University, benefit directly from this gathering. The knowledge transfer, networking opportunities, and exposure to global best practices will inspire the next generation of technology leaders,” she said.
IEEE’s Global Mission Comes to Nigeria
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), founded in 1884, is the world’s largest technical professional organization with over 423,000 members in more than 160 countries.
IEEE has been active in Nigeria since 1976, with a robust local chapter comprising engineers, technologists, academics, and students dedicated to advancing technology for humanity.
The Connecting the Unconnected (CTU) program is IEEE’s flagship initiative addressing the global digital divide through research, innovation challenges, and international summits that bring together stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and civil society.
Engr. Abdulateef Aliyu, IEEE Region 8 Representative, noted that the Summit demonstrates IEEE’s confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to host world-class international events and positions the country as a strategic hub for technology discourse in Africa.
“This Summit is a testament to the strength of IEEE Nigeria Section and the quality of Nigeria’s technology ecosystem. We expect participants from across Europe, Middle East, and Africa, all coming to learn from African innovations and contribute to scalable connectivity solutions,” he said.
Call for Participation and Sponsorship
As preparations enter the final phase, the organizing committee is calling on:
- Nigerian technology professionals and ICT practitioners to participate and showcase indigenous innovations
- Telecommunications operators and ISPs to explore partnership opportunities
- Corporate organizations to consider sponsorship packages (Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels available)
- Researchers and academics to submit papers for presentation
- Students from tertiary institutions to register for this unique learning opportunity
The Summit represents a rare opportunity for Nigerian stakeholders to engage directly with global technology leaders, influence policy discussions, attract investment, and position the country at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation.
Strategic Significance for Nigeria
Professor Ifeayinwa Achumba, IEEE Nigeria Section Chair, emphasized that successful hosting of the CTU-EMEA Summit enhances Nigeria’s reputation as a technology leader and innovation hub in Africa.
“When global leaders converge in Abuja next month, they will witness Nigeria’s commitment to digital inclusion, our innovative capacity, and our readiness to lead Africa’s connectivity agenda. This is an opportunity for us to demonstrate that African solutions to connectivity challenges are not only viable but scalable across the continent,” Prof. Achumba said.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing optimism about the Summit’s success and reaffirming their commitment to seamless collaboration. Follow-up meetings have been scheduled to finalize technical details, conduct facility inspections, and coordinate logistics for the November event.
About the IEEE CTU-EMEA Summit 2025
Event: IEEE Connecting the Unconnected (CTU) Europe, Middle East, and Africa Summit
Theme: “Bridging Digital Frontiers: African Solutions for Universal Connectivity”
Dates: November 27-28, 2025
Venue: Baze University, Abuja, Nigeria
Expected Attendance: 200+ international delegates
Website is here.
