In a bold move to revolutionise Nigeria’s higher education space, Miva Open University has officially opened its Lagos study centre, signalling plans to reach one million students in the coming years. The launch is part of the university’s strategy to widen access to affordable, quality tertiary education for the millions who are shut out by traditional institutions.
Speaking at the unveiling, Vice-Chancellor Professor Tayo Arulogun stressed the value of merging virtual and physical learning environments. “We believe that when people are learning at a distance, they should be able to come to a physical location, interact with themselves, and learn from others,” he said.
The new Lagos facility features cutting-edge computer-based testing (CBT) infrastructure and will soon include a virtual lab tailored for computer science students. This setup is designed to support practical learning while staying true to Miva’s digital-first delivery model.
Tackling Nigeria’s Access Deficit
Miva’s Chancellor, Sim Shagaya, pointed to the acute demand for university access in Nigeria, where only a fraction of students secure places. “Out of 2.2 million Nigerians who sat for the UTME exams, only 600,000 university seats are available,” he said. “We’re leveraging technology and AI to serve the 1.5 million students who qualify for university admission each year but lack access.”
Shagaya added that the institution is focused on responsible AI use, noting that it has put strict safeguards in place to ensure that students only receive approved and accurate information.
Chief People Officer Oladipo Olugbemi shared the university’s ambitious enrolment trajectory: from 500 students in 2023 to a projected 10,000 by mid-2025, with expectations to cross 100,000 students by the end of 2027.
Low-Cost, NUC-Approved Programmes
Affordability remains central to Miva’s model. Undergraduate programmes are priced between ₦300,000 and ₦350,000 per year, while MBA degrees cost less than ₦1 million. All courses are recognised by Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC), and the school accepts direct entry candidates.
In addition to its existing programmes, Miva has rolled out two new postgraduate degrees in 2024: a Master’s in Public Health and a Master’s in Information Technology—both already approved by the NUC and open for admission.
As Miva expands, it plans to launch more community centres across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. These hubs will offer resources and in-person support, reflecting the university’s commitment to redefining access to education.
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[…] Miva Open University has opened its first physical learning centre in Lagos and introduced a new AI learning tool called MIND. The university held the launch event at 376 Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba, where students, teachers, government officials, and media gathered to celebrate. […]