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The third Miva matriculation, which was held on Saturday, 15 November 2025, across four states, was more than a formal entry into higher education. It was a declaration of purpose, a commitment to growth, and the beginning of a lifelong relationship with learning.
It was in this spirit that the Vice Chancellor of Miva Open University, Professor Tayo Arulogun, welcomed everyone to what is currently the largest matriculation ceremony in Miva’s history.
In This Post
Protocol
As Vice-Chancellor of Miva Open University, I hereby declare the 2025 matriculation ceremony open. The purpose of this ceremony is to formally welcome our newest students into the Miva community of scholars.
Salutations
Your Excellency, our distinguished keynote speaker, His Excellency Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, former Executive Governor of Lagos State; our Chancellor, Sim Shagaya; members of the Board of Trustees, Governing Council and Senate; principal officers of the university; representatives of the National Universities Commission, JAMB and other regulatory bodies; the representative from Kenya’s Commission for University Education, Mr Joseph Musyoki; invited vice chancellors; esteemed faculty and staff; proud parents, guardians, and friends of the university; and most importantly, our dear matriculants, welcome.
A Historic Growth Story
It is with profound gratitude to God Almighty that I welcome you all to this historic occasion. Today, we matriculate our largest single intake since inception, a milestone that reflects the growing confidence in our mission. Since opening our digital doors in September 2023, enrolment has grown exponentially, with thousands of learners joining our community.
We began with a bold ambition two years ago and have since grown to 14 accredited undergraduate programmes and four postgraduate programmes. Our academic journey is on a solid and forward-looking trajectory:
- Our first MBA cohort will graduate in December 2025.
- Our pioneer undergraduates will walk proudly across the stage in June 2026.
This growth is not just a number; it is evidence of the trust society has placed in our model of delivering quality, accessible, and future-ready education.
Supporting Learners From Day One
At Miva, we know that education is not only about courses and credits; it is about a whole ecosystem of support. That is why we have invested in:
- 15 community centres spread across the country, building networks of belonging.
- 4 academic study centres providing structured academic and social support.
Employability is embedded into every programme, ensuring our learners graduate with the skills employers demand.
Town-to-gown linkages, connecting academia with the world of work and ensuring our curricula speak directly to national and global challenges.
We are not just preparing graduates; we are preparing innovators, job creators, and citizens ready to contribute meaningfully to society.
The Matriculants
To our dear matriculants: today is a defining day in your journey. You are joining a bold experiment in reimagining higher education from Africa to the world. You will learn not only from textbooks and lecturers but also from one another, from industry partners, and from the real-world challenges that shape our communities.
I urge you:
Be collaborative—your peers are your greatest resource.
Be curious—ask questions without fear.
Be courageous—this is a marathon, not a sprint.
Be committed—to excellence, to innovation, and to the values of empathy and truth.
Remember: your success is not just yours; it is part of Miva’s mission to democratise education for millions across Africa.
The Keynote Speaker
We are deeply honoured to have as our keynote speaker today His Excellency Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, CON, a statesman whose tenure as Governor of Lagos State and as a federal minister demonstrated what visionary leadership can achieve in urban development, infrastructure, and governance. His presence here underscores the vital role of education in shaping societies and the power of learning to build futures.
Please join me in warmly welcoming His Excellency.
Gratitude
I acknowledge with thanks the support of:
- Our Board of Trustees and the Board of the uLesson Group for their vision and backing.
- The National Universities Commission for guidance and regulatory support.
- Our industry and financial partners who collaborate with us to make education more effective.
- Our dedicated faculty, visiting professors, distinguished professors, professors of practice, experts-in-residence, staff, learner-support teams, and our students who ensure that behind every number is a success story.
To the parents, guardians, and families, thank you for entrusting us with your children and wards. You will reap bountiful rewards.
Closing Charge
Dear learners, today you join a movement bigger than yourselves. You are now part of a university that is digital-first, Africa-focused, and globally relevant. You are Miva. You are the future.
Congratulations once again, and welcome to the Miva community.
Thank you.
Prof. Oladiran Tayo Arulogun
Vice Chancellor
Miva Open University
