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On Saturday, 15 November 2025, Miva Open University proudly welcomed a vibrant new set of students in a unified celebration held simultaneously in four states: Abuja, Lagos, Jos and Port Harcourt. With approximately 8,200 bright and eager matriculants, the day marked the official start of an exciting academic journey.
Across all venues, the tone was consistent: exciting, determined and forward‑looking. The day also provided opportunities for students to connect with faculty, peers and staff. The sense of unity and shared purpose was tangible—whether in the chatter of new friendships, the congratulatory embraces of families, or the proud glances of staff ready to support the new scholars.
In This Post
A Warm Welcome
The Vice Chancellor of Miva Open University, Professor Tayo Arulogun, welcomed the third set of matriculating students with a message of pride and promise:
“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.“
He encouraged the matriculants to be collaborative, curious, courageous, and committed on this journey.
A Story of Vision and a Charge
Meanwhile, the Chancellor of Miva Open University and GCEO of the uLesson Group, Sim Shagaya, brought forward the university’s vision for accessible, flexible and high‑quality education. He said:
“As I stand before you today, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and renewed purpose. Two and a half years ago, we opened our doors with 500 students and a bold vision. Today, we gather to welcome our newest cohort into a community of over 10,000 learners, a community that is rewriting the story of higher education in Nigeria.“
“To our new matriculants: You are not passive recipients of an education. You are active participants in a movement. You are not here to sit back and consume content. You are here to question, to challenge, to build, to innovate.
“Miva is more than a university. It is a bet on you. A bet that, given the right tools, the right support, and the right environment, you will rise. You will excel. You will lead.”
His remark reaffirmed Miva’s mission to prepare students not just for exams, but for life and work in an ever‑changing world.
Recognising a Moment of Transition
The matriculation oath was a meaningful highlight of the day, administered by the Registrar of Miva Open University and Chief Academic Officer of the uLesson Group, Iheanyi Akwitti.
As each student rose to solemnly pledge their commitment, the ceremony acknowledged that that moment was more than an event; it was a rite of passage. From that point forward, students become part of a community dedicated to growth, innovation and shared purpose.
A Keynote to Inspire
We were honoured to host Babatunde Fashola, SAN, CON, former Governor of Lagos State and Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, as our keynote speaker. He delivered an engaging message, urging our students to embrace education not just as a personal achievement but as a tool for meaningful impact. In his words:
“Miva is deliberate. Miva makes it very clear by adopting the statement of Mariam Wright Edelman that “Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” You will not just be getting an education here; you will be trained to serve, to lead, and to solve problems.“
“I believe you now know that this is more than being about you and more about your community and country. I believe that you understand that the necessity for continuous learning seriously commends the Miva option persuasively.”
His address resonated across the four venues, reminding every ear that the journey ahead is as much about character and commitment as it is about grades and certificates.
Induction of Professors of Practice
This year, Miva Open University welcomed new Professors of Practice—leaders whose work goes far beyond the classroom. They are cybersecurity trailblazers, governance specialists, leadership visionaries, and industry experts who bring real-world insight directly to our learners. Their experience will shape how students learn, think, and prepare for the future.
The newly inducted Professors of Practice include:
- Dr. Joe Abah, OON – Vice President/Country Director for Nigeria for DAI
- Dr. Fene Osakwe – Chairman, Lagos State Cybersecurity Board, and Forbes Technology Council Member
- Dr. Robinson Tombari Sibe, FNSE – CEO of Digital Footprints Limited and Forbes Technology Council Member
- Olayemi Oyeniyi – Co-founder, JustUnsecure and AfriHackBox
- Mr. Babatunde Anifowoshe – Security Manager and Product Development Leader, and Co-founder, JustUnsecure Limited
- Linus Okorie, MFR – CEO of GOTNI Leadership Centre and Founder/President, Guardians of the Nation International (GOTNI)
- Dr. Abraham Nwankwo – Executive Chairman, Abraham Strategies Limited
- Dr. Nwauju Maurison Ogubunka – Professor in Banking and Finance, Miva Open University
Looking Ahead with Hope
To every member of the 2025 matriculant cohort: congratulations! Your presence at this ceremony signals the beginning of a journey filled with challenges, discoveries and triumphs. With access to Miva’s flexible learning model, you are invited to explore your potential, to ask questions boldly, to support each other and to contribute positively to your communities.
The university community stands with you. Our goal is to provide the tools, the environment and the encouragement you need to thrive. And your goal is to build. Dare to build. Dare to create. Solve problems.
We look forward to witnessing your progress, celebrating your milestones and supporting you every step of the way.
Here’s to an outstanding start—may this matriculation mark the first chapter in a remarkable story of achievement and impact.
And to you who are inspired to start your own journey, you can be a part of the thriving Miva community. Explore our undergraduate or postgraduate programmes to begin your own journey to cause positive change in your community and the world at large.
