Some moments change the way we see what’s possible. The Miva Maiden Convocation 2026 was one of those moments.
On 20 June 2026, Miva Open University held its very first convocation ceremony. Graduands, parents, lecturers, industry leaders and special guests came together for a day that was equal parts celebration and reflection. It marked not just the conferment of degrees but also the triumph of determination, flexibility and the belief that education should fit into real life, not stand in its way.
The atmosphere was electric even before the main ceremony began, from red-carpet interviews capturing smiles and excited arrivals to proud moments with family and friends and first-time meetings with coursemates who were also graduating.
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And So We Began…
The day officially began with the academic procession, followed by the National Anthem and the Miva Open University Anthem, whose lyrics, “Breaking barriers is the culture” and “Cause we are built to soar”, perfectly captured the spirit of the occasion.
After the registrar gave the opening remarks, the chancellor formally constituted the convocation, officially opening the ceremony. Dr Ayoteju Ogun delivered remarks on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu.
A defining moment during the convocation was walking through the Miva story and seeing how what started as a bold idea has grown into a university built around flexibility, access and ambition.
In the vice-chancellor’s welcome address, he reflected on progress so far and the determination of students who made it all possible.
“You Did It Anyway”
Chancellor Sim Shagaya spoke directly to the graduating class, recognising the effort behind every degree.
“Many of you sitting here today are working adults. You are mothers and fathers who, despite holding down a full day’s work, chose to open a laptop to study at ten o’clock at night… You are entrepreneurs who listened to video lectures in traffic and submitted assignments when life was demanding something else.”
He reminded graduates that perseverance often matters more than perfect circumstances.
“You probably doubted yourself, but you did not quit. You did it anyway. That is the first thing I want said in this hall today… You did it anyway.”
Looking beyond the day’s celebration, he spoke about Nigeria’s future and Miva’s commitment to developing talent in emerging technologies through investments in robotics, drone laboratories and one of Nigeria’s earliest bachelor’s degrees in Artificial Intelligence.
A New Chapter in Leadership
The convocation also featured the formal investiture of Dr Tunji Olowolafe as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council.
In his remarks, he challenged long-held perceptions about open and distance learning.
“The idea behind open and distance learning is not new. But in Nigeria and across Africa, it has too often been treated as the lesser option… That framing is not only wrong; it is damaging.”
He described the day’s ceremony as proof that access and academic excellence can coexist, noting that Miva is helping redefine what quality higher education can look like in Nigeria.
The ceremony also featured goodwill messages from the representative of the Lagos State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin and the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, who commended Miva’s role in expanding access to quality higher education through technology and encouraged continued innovation in digital learning.
A Call to Build the Future
The commencement lecture was delivered by His Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, PhD, GCON, Sarkin Kano, who praised Miva’s technology-enabled learning model and its role in expanding access to higher education.
He reminded graduates that education is far more than a qualification.
“Education is not a privilege; it’s not a reward. Education is a right. What Miva has done is not merely convenience; it is moral. It is a deliberate act of justice, taking education to where the student is.”
He encouraged the graduating class to become problem-solvers and opportunity creators.
“The job market will test your patience and resilience. The people who create their own opportunities, who solve rather than complain—these are the people who ultimately build what the system becomes.”
His message challenged graduates to use their education not only to improve their own lives but also to contribute meaningfully to society.
Conferment of Degrees and Awards
The graduating class represented students from the School of Computing, the School of Management and Social Sciences, and the School of Postgraduate Studies.
Degrees were awarded across programmes including Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Engineering, Accounting, Business Management, Economics, Public Policy and Administration, as well as the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Public Administration (MPA).
The university also honoured graduates who demonstrated exceptional academic excellence.
Best Graduating Students – Undergraduate
- Accounting: Hope Onyeka Ogbeh – CGPA 4.86
- Business Management: Olusesan Orebiyi – CGPA 4.84
- Computer Science: Daniel Osaseri Oghogho Okundaye – CGPA 4.90
- Cybersecurity: Sharon RexLawson – CGPA 4.87
- Data Science: Richard Itene – CGPA 4.80
- Economics: Lucky Joshua Ukute – CGPA 4.95
- Public Policy and Administration: Michael Ibie – CGPA 4.97
- Software Engineering: John Eloroghene Friday Akwawei – CGPA 4.79
Postgraduate
- MBA: Geraldine Ehinohmen Ekoh – CGPA 5.0
- MPA: Victor Osemudiamen Thomas – CGPA 5.0
Overall Best Graduating Students
- Undergraduate: Michael Ibie
- Postgraduate: Geraldine Ehinohmen Ekoh
Their respective achievements reflected the high academic standards maintained across Miva’s programmes.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The historic ceremony welcomed several distinguished guests from government, academia and industry.
Among those represented were the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa; and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, represented by Dr Ayoteju Ogun.
Their presence underscored the growing recognition of open and distance learning as an important part of Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
A Milestone That Signals What’s Next
The maiden convocation marked more than the graduation of Miva’s first cohort. It demonstrated how technology, flexibility and academic quality can come together to expand access to higher education for thousands of learners.
Since opening its doors in 2023, Miva Open University has continued to grow, providing students across Nigeria with opportunities to earn recognised degrees while balancing work, family and other responsibilities.
As the university celebrates this historic milestone, it also looks ahead to preparing even more learners for the opportunities of tomorrow.