With an estimated 900,000 qualified students locked out of Nigerian universities yearly, Miva Open University says it is banking on artificial intelligence to close the country’s admission gaps.
The tech-driven institution, which unveiled its flagship study centre in Yaba, Lagos, over the weekend, said it was deploying a blended learning model and an AI-powered teaching platform to deliver quality, affordable, and scalable university education across Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch, Chancellor of Miva and uLesson CEO, Mr Sim Shagaya, said the university was built on the belief that “technology holds the key to universal access to higher education.”
“In the last UTME, over two million Nigerians wrote the exam. About 1.5 million qualified, but fewer than 600,000 gained admission. That leaves nearly a million young Nigerians behind every year. That is unacceptable,” Shagaya said.
To bridge the gap, Miva is relying on an AI engine called Mind, designed to personalise the learning experience for each student.
“Mind adapts to individual learning styles and tracks progress. It’s like having millions of personal tutors. Our model ensures quality education at scale — and at a fraction of the traditional cost,” he added.
The university’s blended learning approach integrates online content with physical infrastructure — aligning with the National Universities Commission’s guidelines.
Vice-Chancellor of Miva, Prof. Tayo Arulogun, explained that the institution’s strategy combines digital delivery with on-ground support across the country.
“Blended learning is not just a recommendation; it’s a necessity. Students need access to electricity, internet, labs, and even face-to-face faculty engagement. That’s what we’re providing,” Arulogun said.
He revealed that while cities like Lagos and Abuja would host flagship centres, compact community centres would be established in all 774 local government areas.
“If you’re in Damaturu or Mubi, you’ll still have access to our programmes. That’s the power of tech-enabled education,” he said.
Since obtaining its NUC licence in May 2023, Miva has recorded rapid growth. From just over 500 students at launch, enrolment surged to 5,000 by the end of 2024 — with projections of over 17,000 by 2025 and a bold target of one million students in 10 years.
Speaking, Miva’s Chief People Officer, Mr Oladipo Olugbemi said, “We’re building for scale. Our tuition fees are affordable — N300,000 to N350,000 per year for undergraduates, and under N1 million for MBAs. We want every qualified Nigerian to have a shot.
“All programmes, including newly approved Master’s degrees in Public Health and IT, are accredited by the NUC.”
Olugbemi added: “The perception that Open University education lacks hands-on experience is outdated. We offer computer-based testing centres, virtual labs, and in-person support. Our students won’t just learn — they’ll thrive.”
