…Alausa, Sanusi back MiVA University online learning revolution
Nigeria’s push to expand access to higher education received a major boost as Miva Open University graduated 1,280 students at its maiden convocation ceremony, as stakeholders described digital learning as the future of education in Africa.
Tayo Arulogun, the vice-chancellor of MiVA Open University, speaking during the institution’s first convocation ceremony over the weekend, described the event as a defining moment for the institute and its mission to make quality education accessible to all.
“Miva Open University was built on a simple yet profound conviction: to prepare people for opportunity and improve society through education.
“We refuse to accept that high-quality tertiary education should be a scarce commodity limited by geography, infrastructure, or circumstance,” Arulogun said.
Arulogun revealed that the university has secured scholarship commitments worth N3 billion and is investing in robotics, drone technology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence-driven learning systems as part of its expansion strategy.
Besides, the vice-chancellor said that Miva Open University is evolving into a research-focused university and plans to empower one million Africans by 2030.
Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, speaking at the convocation, applauded Miva’s model, emphasising that it reflects the transformation required in modern education.
“The world is changing rapidly. Artificial intelligence is redefining industries. Digital technologies are transforming economies, and the future workplace is evolving at an unprecedented speed; and in such a world, universities must also evolve,” the minister said.
Alausa described Miva Open University as a model for the future of education.
“It represents the democratization of knowledge, educational access at scale, flexibility without compromising quality, and most importantly, it represents the future of what education will look like a century from now,” he said.
Sim Shagaya, the founder and chancellor at MiVA Open University, congratulated the graduates, many of whom balanced studies with jobs, businesses, and family responsibilities.
“Many of you sitting here today are working adults. You are mothers and fathers who, despite holding down a full day’s work, chose to open a laptop to study at 10 p.m.
“There were nights when you wondered whether any of it was real, whether a degree earned online at a young Nigerian university would be respected. You doubted yourself, but you did not quit,” he emphasised.
Moreover, Shagaya highlighted that the graduates had become proof that online education can deliver quality outcomes while expanding access to learners traditionally excluded from higher education.
Muhammadu Sanusi, the emir of Kano, in his keynote address, said that Nigeria’s development depends more on education than natural resources.
“We are a nation of extraordinary human capital sitting on decades of unrealised potential.
“You are educated. You are connected. You are comfortable with technology, with change, with the idea that the old way of doing things is not the only way. That combination is rare, and it is precisely what Nigeria needs at this moment,” he said.
The former Central Bank governor praised Miva’s open learning model, saying quality education should not be restricted by geography, income or circumstance.
“Miva Open University is an argument; you, this graduating class, are the proof of that argument,” he noted.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the executive governor of Lagos State, represented by Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the secretary to the state government of Lagos State, described the convocation as a historic milestone and praised the graduates for embracing innovation and lifelong learning.
“Lagos State remains committed to supporting institutions that expand access to education and develop the skilled workforce required for the digital economy,” the governor said.
Michael Ibie, who emerged as the university’s overall best graduating student after achieving a perfect 5.0 CGPA, said the flexibility of Miva’s learning model enabled him to pursue academic excellence while managing other responsibilities.
“This achievement is proof that excellence is possible when opportunity meets determination.
“Miva gave me the platform to learn at my own pace while maintaining the highest academic standards. The journey was demanding, but it taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of continuous learning,” Ibie said.
He encouraged fellow graduates to view their degrees as the beginning rather than the end of their educational journey.
“The world is changing rapidly, and the ability to keep learning will be one of the most valuable skills anyone can possess. We must continue to adapt, innovate, and contribute positively to society,” he said.
The convocation ceremony highlighted the growing acceptance of online learning in Nigeria and a broader shift toward technology-enabled education designed to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.
As Miva targets one million learners by 2030, its maiden graduating class may be remembered as the pioneers of a new chapter in African higher education.
The graduating class consisted of 241 undergraduate students and 1,039 postgraduate students, underscoring the growing demand for flexible higher education among working professionals and adult learners.
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