A Nigerian professor of artificial intelligence (AI) and Head of the Centre of Intelligence of Things (CloTh) at the University of Bolton (now the University of Greater Manchester), the United Kingdom, Celestine Iwendi, has been appointed as the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Communications Society (ComSoc) distinguished lecturer for the 2025-2026 term.
The recognition highlights Iwendi’s expertise and contributions to advancing technology and innovation in AI, IoT, network security and sustainable technologies.
During the 2025 to 2026 term, his lecture topics will focus on ‘The Future of AI in Wireless Sensor Networks: Enhancing Security and Efficiency’, ‘Harnessing AI and Machine Learning for Sustainable Communication Systems’, ‘Next-Generation Network Security: Leveraging Blockchain and AI for Cybersecurity’ and ‘AI-Driven Innovations in the Internet of Things: From Concept to Application and The Role of AI in Managing Mitigating Risks in Supply Chains and Global Trade. ’
Announcing the appointment, the University of Bolton explained that as a distinguished lecturer, he would represent the university on a global platform, delivering lectures and collaborating with IEEE ComSoc Chapters worldwide to inspire innovation and drive impactful discussions.
The university said: “The IEEE Communications Society promotes technological innovation and fosters the creation and sharing of information among the global technical community. The Society provides services to members for their technical and professional advancement and forums for technical exchanges among professionals in academia, industry, and public institutions.
“As a globally recognised scholar and leader in artificial intelligence and wireless communication systems, he serves as the Head of the Centre of Intelligence of Things (CIoTh) at the University of Bolton, UK, now University of Greater Manchester, Bolton UK where he spearheads research in AI, IoT, network security, and sustainable technologies.’’
“As a senior member of the IEEE and a Manchester Conference Bureau Ambassador, Iwendi is deeply engaged in fostering innovation, academic collaboration and industry partnerships.”
On its part, ComSoc said the Nigerian, with a PhD in electronics from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland and a master’s in Communication Engineering from Uppsala University, Sweden, Iwendi has an academic career spanning over two decades.
ComSoc noted that his groundbreaking research addresses global challenges, including secure wireless sensor networks, AI-driven sustainability, and advanced robotics.
“He has published extensively in high-impact journals, with many of his works featured in the top 25 per cent globally cited publications.
“Iwendi has held prestigious roles such as the Chair of the IEEE Computer Society Worldwide Election Committee (2024) and a distinguished speaker for ACM.
“He is an active mentor to PhD students across institutions worldwide and contributes as an external examiner for leading universities and his teaching philosophy combines innovative pedagogy with hands-on research, empowering the next generation of scientists and engineers,” ComSoc stated.
Driven by a passion for sustainable development, Iwendi aligns his work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on advancing AI technologies for healthcare, education and environmental conservation, while his influence extends to industry collaborations, with expertise in implementing AI solutions for supply chains, cybersecurity and IoT applications.
Recognised for his contributions, Iwendi has been featured in Elsevier’s list of the World’s Top Two per cent Influential Scientists and honoured by the Royal Academy of Engineering under the Exceptional Talent Scheme.
