With the rising demand for higher education in Nigeria and limited slots in traditional universities, online learning is becoming a game-changer.
Miva Open University, a fully online institution founded in 2023 by uLesson, is stepping up to bridge the education gap by offering flexible, high-quality degree programs.
Designed for the digital age, Miva University provides career-driven courses in fields like technology, business, and health sciences, making it a strong alternative to conventional universities.
If you’re considering an online degree in Nigeria, here’s everything you need to know about Miva Open University, its history, accreditation, courses, mission, and the future of online education in Africa
1. Establishment
Miva Open University was established on March 10, 2023, as an extension of uLesson, a leading Nigerian edtech company providing online education to K-12 students across Africa.
Recognizing the need for more accessible tertiary education, uLesson expanded into the higher education sector with Miva.
On May 16, 2023, the university received official accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC), making it a fully licensed degree-awarding institution.
Shortly after, on May 25, 2023, Miva Open University began accepting students into its inaugural programs.
The university was created to address Nigeria’s education crisis, where over one million qualified students fail to gain university admission each year due to limited capacity in traditional institutions.
2. Courses and Academic Programs
Miva Open University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple disciplines, focusing on technology, business, health, and social sciences.
Undergraduate Programs
The university’s undergraduate degrees are structured under two main schools:
School of Computing
- Computer Science
- Cyber Security
- Data Science
- Software Engineering
School of Management & Social Sciences
- Accounting
- Economics
- Business Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Public Policy & Administration
- Mass Communication
- Criminology & Security Studies
Health and Allied Sciences
- Public Health
- Nursing Science
Postgraduate Programs
Miva University launched its Master of Business Administration (MBA) on April 2, 2024, and its Master of Public Administration (MPA) on October 7, 2024.
As part of its future expansion, Law and Nursing Science programs are also in the pipeline.
3. Benefits
Every year, millions of Nigerian students apply for admission into traditional universities, yet many are left out due to limited spaces, poor infrastructure, and frequent academic strikes
For instance, in 2021, The Guardian Nigeria reported that over 190,000 qualified students were denied admission across just seven public universities representing less than 8% of the country’s public institutions.
Miva Open University provides an alternative by offering:
Unlimited enrollment capacity (not restricted by physical infrastructure).
Flexible learning schedules, making it ideal for working professionals and students in remote locations.
Industry-focused courses, designed to align with job market needs.
Sim Shagaya, the founder of uLesson & Miva University, emphasized this mission, stating:
“Education should be widely available, effective, and enjoyable. That’s why we’re building Miva University.”
4. Competing with Other Online Universities
Miva Open University isn’t the only institution looking to revolutionize e-learning in Nigeria. It competes with:
- National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)- Nigeria’s oldest distance-learning university.
- AltSchool Africa – A tech-focused online institution offering certifications in software engineering, data science, and product management.
- Nexford University– A US-based online university offering degrees tailored to the African job market.
What sets Miva apart is its focus on career-ready degrees, integrating both tech and business disciplines. Unlike some competitors that mainly offer certifications, Miva provides full degree programs recognized by Nigeria’s NUC.
5. Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its potential, online education in Nigeria still faces challenges:
Skepticism towards online degrees – Many employers still favor traditional university graduates.
Internet and electricity issues – Poor digital infrastructure can make online learning difficult for some students.
Awareness and adoption – Many Nigerians are still unfamiliar with fully online degree programs.
However, as digital learning becomes more accepted worldwide, institutions like Miva Open University are expected to thrive.
The university’s strategic expansion into Law and Nursing programs also signals a strong ambition to become a major player in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
6. Connection to uLesson’s Broader Vision
Miva Open University is part of uLesson’s long-term plan to revolutionize education in Africa.
The company originally focused on K-12 online tutoring but shifted towards higher education after its coding school, DevKids/uLesson Coding School, was discontinued.
In December 2021, uLesson secured $15 million in Series B funding, with plans to expand its digital learning platforms.
Miva Open University is likely a key part of this expansion, ensuring that students not only complete secondary school online but also pursue higher education digitally.
7. Why Miva Open University Matters
In a country where millions struggle to access quality education, Miva Open University is reshaping the learning experience. It offers:
Accredited degrees recognized by Nigeria’s NUC
Flexible online learning for students anywhere in the country
Courses aligned with high-demand careers in tech, business, and healthcare
A scalable solution to Nigeria’s university capacity problem
8. Leadership and Hiring for Growth
Miva is committed to academic excellence, and this is reflected in its leadership recruitment.
The university is currently hiring for various senior roles, including a Vice-Chancellor, who must have:
A PhD with atleast 10 years of leadership experience.
A strong academic and administrative background
Mary Efretei-Ogunkoya, Head of People at Miva, emphasizes the need for passionate educators to help transform Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
