Miva Open University has matriculated over 8,000 fresh students at its 2025 matriculation ceremony in Abuja, the institution’s biggest intake since beginning operations in 2023.
Speaking at the Matriculation Ceremony on Saturday in Abuja, the Chancellor of the University, Sim Shagaya, described the milestone as a defining moment in the university’s rapid rise.
Shagaya noted that few institutions on the continent of Africa are growing at such scale while maintaining strong academic standards, adding that the university now has over 18,000 students.
“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.
“There are tools on the horizon that will continue to challenge us on their implications for humanity and Nigeria tools like artificial intelligence, which I personally believe represent 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.
Meanwhile, the matriculation ceremony was held simultaneously in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Jos and Abuja, signaling the current spread of the institution’s subscription.
The Chancellor also announced an ambitious expansion drive that will see Miva establish 774 study centres across the country, one in every local government area, to create flexible, accessible learning hubs that support peer collaboration, community engagement and a modern, technology-enabled academic experience.
Speaking on Nigeria’s wider education deficit, he highlighted the persistent gap between demand and available university spaces.
He recalled that although more than two million candidates sat for the UTME last year, only a fraction gained admission, leaving close to a million qualified applicants stranded.
He argued that brick-and-mortar universities alone cannot bridge this gap, stressing the need for innovative institutions that deliver quality, affordability, and scalability.
Shagaya also underscored the role of technology in shaping the future, citing Miva’s AI-powered learning companion, MIND, which provides real-time feedback, supports case-based learning, and strengthens critical thinking.
He urged the new students to stay curious, make full use of the university’s digital tools and study centres, participate actively in masterclasses, collaborate in study groups, and build meaningful connections with faculty.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Tayo Arulogun, recalled the university’s journey from a bold idea in 2023 to an institution now offering 14 accredited undergraduate and four postgraduate programmes.
Arulogun said the record enrolment reflects the confidence Nigerians have placed in Miva’s mission and its consistent focus on quality.
“Today, we multiply our largest single intake since inception, a milestone that reflects the 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.
In his keynote address, former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, challenged the students to appreciate the lifelong commitment they have undertaken.
Fashola praised the university’s innovative model, particularly the use of “professors of practice” who blend academic learning with real-world expertise,
He urged the matriculating students to cultivate discipline, character and a mindset of continuous growth.
Fashola encouraged them to stay focused amid distractions and to uphold the values that define responsible graduates.
“Do not let yourself down. I wish you outstanding success in your chosen course of study,” he said.
