…targets 770 study centres
Miva Open University has matriculated 8,000 students, marking its largest single intake since its inception in 2023.
This is as the University said it was hoping to establish 770 study centres across Nigeria, targeting one in every local government area.
Chancellor of the University, Sim Shagaya, disclosed this during the University’s 2025 Matriculation ceremony in Abuja at the weekend.
Shagaya described the matriculation as a moment of possibility, which emphasizes the scale of the University’s development, stressing that few tertiary institutions in Africa match this size while maintaining high standards.
He said the centres are designed to provide flexible, accessible learning spaces to support collaboration, study groups, and community engagement.
“Today we gather to welcome our newest cohort, over 8,000 students being welcomed into a community that now exceeds 18,000 students. I do not believe there are many tertiary institutions on the continent that are actually larger. Yet we have been obsessive about maintaining quality even as we provide access,” he said.
Addressing Nigeria’s broader educational challenges, Shagaya noted the gap between demand and capacity in the country’s higher education system.
He noted that while over 2 million students sat for the JAMB last year, only 600,000 could be absorbed by Nigeria’s over 170 universities, leaving nearly a million qualified students without placement.
He argued that traditional universities, though vital, cannot scale fast enough, stressing the need for flexible, affordable, and innovative institutions that equip students not only with knowledge but with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
“There are tools on the horizon that will continue to challenge us on their implications for humanity and Nigerian tools like artificial intelligence, which I personally believe represent an incredible opportunity.
“We are harnessing these tools and have rolled out MIND, our AI-powered learning companion. It engages you in real-time conversations about case studies, provides instant feedback, and helps you to think critically,” he said.
Shagaya encouraged the new students to embrace curiosity, independence, and collaboration, urging them to use the study centres, engage with AI tools, attend masterclasses, form study groups, and actively connect with their professors.
“Last year, over 2 million Nigerians sat for the JAMB Conference. About 1.5 million of them qualified, yet our 170 universities could only absorb 600,000. This means that 900,000 qualified, brilliant young Nigerians were turned away, not because they were not good enough, but because there simply was not enough space.”
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Tayo Arulogun, noted the institution’s remarkable growth since its digital launch in September 2023.
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He noted that from an ambitious beginning just two years ago, the University now offers 14 accredited undergraduate programmes, and 4 postgraduate programmes, demonstrating both rapid expansion and sustained quality.
“Today, we multiplied our largest single intake since inception, a milestone that reflects great confidence in our mission. Since opening our digital doors, enrolment has grown exponentially, with thousands of learners joining our community.
“We began with a golden ambition two years ago and have since grown to 14 accredited undergraduate programmes,” he said.
On his part, former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, who delivered the keynote address, urged the 8,000 new students to recognise the lifelong commitment they have just made.
Fashola applauded the Chancellor’s vision, encouraging students to adopt the same clarity of purpose.
“Just imagine if the 8,000 who are matriculating today also followed their vision and connected another 8,000 persons each,” he said.
He praised Miva’s innovation, especially the inclusion of professors of practice, noting that they bring real-world experience that traditional schooling often fails to provide.
The former governor of Lagos said these professionals connect the principles and theories they will learn with what is happening in real life.
He encouraged the students to embrace continuous learning, discipline, and strong values: “Knowledge alone will not be enough. Your character will be the most important factor.”
Fashola also urged the students to stay focused despite distractions and uphold the values that define true graduates.
“Do not let yourself down. I wish you outstanding success in your chosen course of study.”
