Abuja: Miva Open University has officially matriculated 8,000 new students, marking the institution’s largest single intake since its inception in 2023. The Chancellor of the University, Mr. Sim Shagaya, made this announcement during the 2025 Matriculation ceremony held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Shagaya highlighted the enrollment as a pioneering step in an educational ecosystem that is increasingly shaped by technology and innovation. He reiterated the university’s goal to establish 774 study centres, aiming to have one in every local government area. The chancellor also spoke about Miva’s AI-driven learning tools, including the Miva Interactive Neural Dialogue (MIND), an AI-powered learning companion already in use by students, which aims to democratize quality education on a large scale.
Shagaya encouraged the new students to become innovators and problem-solvers, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. He urged the students to be active participants in their education journey, challenging them to back their words with actions.
Additionally, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tayo Arulogun, praised the university’s remarkable growth since its digital launch in September 2023. He noted that from its ambitious beginnings, the university now offers 14 accredited undergraduate programmes and 4 postgraduate programmes, highlighting both rapid expansion and sustained quality. Arulogun remarked on the exponential growth in enrollment, reflecting the confidence in the university’s mission.
In his keynote address, former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, advised the 8,000 new students to acknowledge the lifelong commitment they have undertaken. He lauded the vision of the chancellor and encouraged students to adopt a clear purpose. Fashola emphasized the importance of connecting academic principles with real-world experiences, facilitated by the university’s inclusion of professors of practice.
Fashola further advised the students to embrace continuous learning and uphold strong values, stressing that character would be crucial alongside knowledge. He urged the matriculants to remain focused and not be swayed by distractions, wishing them success in their academic pursuits.