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University of Lagos, U I, others to benefit from IBM’s Quantum Computing Program
IBM has announced the expansion of its quantum computing efforts to Africa in a new collaboration with the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) in South Africa.
Wits University is the first African partner on the IBM Q Network and will be the gateway for academics across South Africa and to the 15 universities who are part of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA).
“This is the latest outcome of the joint partnership between IBM Research and Wits, which started in 2016 when IBM opened its second lab in Africa in Wits University’s Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct in Johannesburg.
“To expand the IBM Q Network to include Wits will drive innovation in frontier-technologies and benefit African-based researchers, academics and students who now have access to decades of quantum computing capabilities at the click of a button,” said Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Wits Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Postgraduate Affairs.
Quantum computing promises to be able to solve certain problems – such as chemical simulations and types of optimization – that will forever be beyond the practical reach of classical machines.
IBM first made quantum computers available to the public in May 2016 through its IBM Q Experience quantum cloud service and has doubled the power of its quantum computers annually since 2017.
IBM established the IBM Q Network™, a community of Fortune 500 companies, startups, academic institutions and research labs working with IBM to advance quantum computing and explore practical applications for business and science.
Researchers at Wits will investigate the use of quantum computing and machine learning in the fields of cosmology and molecular biology with a specific focus on HIV drug discovery.
The teams will also jointly study quantum teleportation, a field pioneered by IBM Fellow Charles Bennett.
“For Africa to remain competitive for the coming decades we must get the next generation of students quantum ready,” said Dr. Solomon Assefa, Vice President, Emerging Market Solutions and Director, IBM Research – Africa.
As part of the partnership between IBM and Wits, scholars from sixteen ARUA universities including: Addis Ababa University; University of Ghana; University of Nairobi; University of Lagos; University of Ibadan; Obafemi Awolowo University lle-Ife; University of Rwanda; University Cheikh Anta Diop; University of Cape Town; University of Kwa-Zulu Natal; University of Pretoria; Rhodes University; University of Stellenbosch; University of the Witwatersrand; University of Dar es Salaam and Makerere University, will have the opportunity to apply for access to IBM Q’s most-advanced quantum computing systems and software for teaching quantum information science and exploring early applications.
To gain access to the IBM Q quantum cloud service, ARUA scholars will be required to submit quality research proposals to a scientific committee of Wits and IBM experts for approval.
“Having access to IBM Q is pivotal for Wits University’s cross-disciplinary research program and allows our researchers in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and in the broad natural sciences, including in laser technology, quantum optics and molecular design, to leverage the next level of discovery research. It’s envisioned that the first results from this collaboration will be forthcoming in the next two years,” said Vilakazi.
IBM’s recently unveiled IBM Q System One, is the world’s first integrated universal approximate quantum computing system designed for scientific and commercial use.
IBM’s most advanced universal quantum computing systems available through the IBM Q Experience platform.
More than 10 million experiments have run on the IBM Q Experience and users have published over 160 third-party research papers.
Also, developers can work with Qiskit, a full-stack, open-source quantum software development kit, to create and run quantum computing programs.
To further increase skills development, IBM Q is hosting an invite-only Qiskit Camp in South Africa this December for 200 quantum researchers and computer scientists where they will learn in an immersive environment and receive hands-on training.
For more information about the IBM Q Network, as well as a full list of all partners, members, and hubs, visit https://www.research.ibm.com/ibm-q/network/
The agreement with Wits was signed in April 2019.
Telecoms giant, MTN Nigeria, has announced the disbursement of over ₦290 million to more than 1,500 winners in its ongoing Mega Billion Promo.
L-R: Deji Roberts, Assistant Director, Nigerian Communications Commission, Lagos Zonal Office; Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations and Experience Officer, MTN Nigeria; Femi Yusuf, 10 Million MTN Mega Billion Promo Jackpot Winner; Efe Kwado, MTN Mega Billion Promo Winner; Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria and Samuel Rowland, Chief Operations Officer, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority at the MTN Mega Billion Promo Media Parley held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the MTN Rooftop Events Centre Plaza, Ikoyi.
The update was shared during a live event held on July 19 at the company’s Rooftop Events Centre in Lagos. Representatives from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, MTN executives, journalists and selected promo winners were in attendance.
Speaking at the event, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, stated that the initiative was launched to support loyal customers during difficult times. “In the last couple of years, it’s been a tough time for the average Nigerian. This promo is one of our ways of making life better for our customers,” she said.
Ikenna-Emeka revealed that the promo has produced over 1,500 winners, including three jackpot winners, 20 winners of ₦5 million each, and more than 100 winners of ₦100,000. She added that the company remains committed to rewarding customers transparently.
One of the jackpot winners, Femi Yusuf, who won ₦10 million, shared his excitement. “I thought it was one of those promos where nothing comes out of it. My wife was the one who spotted my number during the live draw,” he said. When asked about the delivery of his prize, he replied, “Fast and fast. MTN, no scam.”
The event also featured live calls to new winners, including a woman identified as Motunrayo, who won ₦2 million. She expressed joy over the unexpected win, saying, “I’m so grateful. Thanks so much.”
Debo Agun, Senior Manager, Consumer Segment (Mass Market), explained the mechanics of the promo. He said participation is free and open to MTN subscribers who dial *900# to opt in. Airtime purchases serve as entries—₦100 worth of airtime equals one entry, and customers can win multiple times.
Agun stated that 63 winners are selected daily from Monday to Friday, while Saturdays feature 104 winners, including a ₦10 million jackpot. Other prizes range from ₦25,000 to ₦2 million and are paid into customers’ MoMo wallets. Those without wallets can create one by dialing *671#.
Promo draws are conducted and streamed live on MTN’s Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook channels. Independent partners oversee the process to maintain credibility and fairness.
The promo began on June 23 and runs for 90 days.
MENXTT Technology NG has introduced a fresh lineup of USA-specification smartphones alongside its existing range of laptops, accessories, and software tools in a major move to redefine tech quality and customer satisfaction in Nigeria.
The firm, which operates as a fully online IT service provider, is focused on bridging the gap between businesses and customers by offering seamless tech procurement, deployment, and after-sales support.
According to Anthony Emeka Nwosu, Director of Communication and Customer Retention, the company is committed to restoring consumer trust in tech purchases through guaranteed quality, extended warranties, and structured support.
Nwosu stated that the decision to supply USA-grade devices was borne out of frustration with substandard options in the market and zero accountability.
He said MENXTT was built to be responsive, dependable, and quality-driven, assuring customers that they would not be left alone after purchase.
With services covering laptops, accessories, website development, software deployment, and IT support, MENXTT promises to take technology directly to the client with less stress.
The company, located at 8a Oje Imeviani Street, Julie Estate, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, is also noted for its tech-enabled structure that allows users to access solutions from anywhere in Nigeria through its online platform.
Customers can reach MENXTT Technology NG via email: info@menxtt.com.ng or website: menxtt.ng.
Telecoms giant MTN Group has partnered with MTV Base to launch the Room of Safety campaign, a youth-led movement aimed at raising awareness on internet safety and digital wellbeing for children and young people across Africa.
The initiative, a major part of MTN’s Help Children Be Children campaign, seeks to address growing concerns around cyberbullying, grooming, misinformation, and other forms of online harm. Through this collaboration, MTN will leverage MTV Base’s extensive reach across youth audiences to drive impactful change.
Central to the campaign is the premiere of a 10-part short-form docu-series titled Room of Safety, which kicks off on July 20, 2025, at 16:00 on MTV Base (DStv channel 322). Episodes will also stream on MTV Base South’s digital platforms including Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Each episode will feature real-life stories, expert interviews, and practical resources to help young viewers identify digital threats and take proactive steps. The series also encourages youth to speak up about negative experiences online and shows them how to report abuse.
A statement from MTN Group emphasized the importance of equipping young Africans with the knowledge and confidence to navigate digital spaces safely, adding that the campaign aims to normalize conversations around digital ethics and mental health within families, schools and peer groups.
The launch is backed by social media engagement and outreach activities targeted at schools, creators, and community organizations across multiple African countries.
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