Speaker-4: Pr Nasir Faruk

Nasir Faruk is a distinguished academic and researcher in Telecommunications, with over 15 years of experience in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and extensive contributions to rural telephony, digital skills, and internet governance. Currently serving as Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology at Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State, Nigeria, he is also the Chair of the IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc) Nigeria, where he has played a pivotal role in advancing IEEE’s mission and impact in Nigeria. His work in telecommunications has significantly impacted both academia and industry, particularly in developing innovative solutions for the African continent.

Prof. Faruk’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Physics with First Class Honors from Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST), Nigeria. He went on to earn an M.Sc. in Mobile and High-Speed Telecommunication Networks with Distinction from Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom, followed by a Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, in 2015. Further expanding his skill set, he completed a certificate program in Project Management from the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business, USA. These diverse academic achievements underpin his multifaceted approach to both teaching and research, providing a solid foundation in technical expertise and leadership.

Prof. Faruk’s research interests focus on radio propagation, rural telephony, 5G networks, and ICT infrastructure in developing economies. His recent work includes a comprehensive project on 5G radio propagation, where he led a team conducting large-scale propagation measurements and simulations at millimeter-wave frequencies within Nigeria. This project is centered around path loss analysis, environmental factors such as rain attenuation and scattering, and creating data models that support wireless planning for Nigeria’s unique conditions. Prof. Faruk has established a Center for Radio Propagation Research (CRPR) at Sule Lamido University to support research and data-sharing efforts, providing an open-access repository for propagation data that will contribute to the future of telecommunications in West Africa. Beyond his academic and research contributions, Prof. Faruk is a prolific author with over 160 peer-reviewed publications. His expertise and scholarly output have been recognized globally; he was listed among the top 2% of active scientists by AD Scientific Index. He is also actively involved in professional societies, presenting at and attending over 40 conferences and summits across more than 20 countries. His leadership extends to organizing and promoting IEEE ComSoc initiatives, where he has spearheaded membership development programs and digital skills training for young professionals and students in Nigeria. Through these initiatives, he has facilitated IEEE-funded projects to bring internet connectivity to remote regions, bolstering ICT accessibility and engagement for students and underserved communities.

Title: Advancing 5G Wireless Communications in Developing Economies: Challenges, Opportunities, and Path Forward

Abstract: The deployment and expansion of 5G wireless communications present transformative opportunities for developing economies, yet substantial technical and infrastructural challenges persist. This presentation explores the complex landscape of 5G implementation, highlighting unique challenges faced in developing regions, such as limited infrastructure, regulatory constraints, and high deployment costs. We examine the pivotal role of localized research in addressing these challenges and uncovering tailored solutions for diverse environmental and socio-economic conditions.

Our research at the Radio Science Observatory of Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State Nigeria, has yielded valuable insights into 5G propagation in varied environments. Key contributions include large-scale radio propagation measurements at 5G frequencies, specifically FR1 and FR2 bands, to understand path loss and rain attenuation—a critical factor in tropical climate. Additionally, our team has conducted simulations and developed path loss models suited for non-line-of-sight scenarios, which are prevalent in dense urban and rural areas alike. This work not only advances 5G readiness but also aims to establish an open-access repository to support data-driven planning for 5G networks across Africa.