MIVA Open University is targeting millions of learners across Nigeria over the next decade after securing full operational licensing and accreditation from the National Universities Commission.
The university’s vice-chancellor, Prof. Tayo Arulogun, disclosed this on Wednesday at a media parley in Abuja, saying the NUC approval marked the institution’s transition from a start-up into a fully accredited university.
Arulogun said the commission granted MIVA full operational licensing on September 22, with all its take-off programmes receiving full accreditation.
He said the development would strengthen confidence in online university education and dispel lingering doubts about the credibility of degrees obtained through the model.
“MIVA is not a pilot anymore. We are a functioning, accredited, growing university, and we will keep growing responsibly, transparently, and in partnership with you,” he said.
Established in March 2023 and licensed by the NUC two months later, MIVA began with eight disciplines but has since expanded to five undergraduate schools, including Communication and Media Studies.
The institution now also offers eight postgraduate programmes, including Doctor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Health and Master of Information Technology.
Arulogun said the university was founded on the principle that Nigerians should be able to obtain degrees without abandoning their jobs, families or locations.
“No one should have to give up their income, their location, their passion, or their family to earn a degree,” he said.
He said MIVA had also established physical study centres to address challenges beyond internet access, providing students with reliable electricity, connectivity and conducive learning environments.
The centres are located in Lagos, Jos, Abuja, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Oyo, Port Harcourt and Kaduna.
According to the vice-chancellor, the university’s maiden convocation in June demonstrated that its model could produce graduates for the Nigerian workforce.
He said the institution was now shifting its focus towards research and employability as it enters its next phase.
“We are moving from a teaching-led institution to a research-based university,” Arulogun said.
He added that MIVA’s expansion would be judged not only by the number of students it enrolled but also by its ability to prepare graduates for employment.
To strengthen industry links, he said the university had partnered Terra Industries to establish robotics and drone laboratories, while O2 Academy would provide industry-recognised certifications for students.
Arulogun also announced plans for a N60m scholarship programme for MIVA students and an inaugural lecture series to promote research by members of the academic community.
The Chief Academic Officer, Udochi Obiukwu, said the university would continue to align its programmes with changing labour-market demands, with emphasis on practical skills, flexibility and industry readiness.
The Registrar, Lovlyn Okonkwo, said the institution had strengthened its academic and administrative support systems following the accreditation, assuring students and regulators of continued compliance with NUC requirements.
The Chief Operating Officer, Aniekeme Umoh, said MIVA was developing the operational infrastructure needed to support its expansion, particularly through its study centres and student support systems.
Its Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Paul Ehiagbonare, said technology remained central to the university’s model, with continued investment in digital platforms for lectures, learning resources, assessments and other academic services.
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