Miva Open University Opens First Study Centre in Nigeria, Signalling a New Phase for Hybrid Learning

Miva Open University Unveils First Physical Study Centre in Nigeria: A Bold Leap into Hybrid Learning

In a significant development for Nigeria’s educational landscape, Miva Open University has officially launched its first physical study centre in Yaba, Lagos. This marks a pivotal shift for the online university, signalling its commitment to a hybrid learning model that blends the convenience of digital education with the depth and connection of physical academic spaces.

The unveiling ceremony, held on April 29, 2025, brought together education stakeholders, university staff, students, alumni, and well-wishers. The atmosphere was one of excitement and celebration as Miva took its next step toward redefining accessible, high-quality education in Nigeria.

Why the Yaba Launch Matters

Yaba, widely recognized as the tech and innovation hub of Nigeria, is a fitting location for Miva’s first physical study centre. The area is home to a growing community of startups, learning institutions, and digital innovators, making it an ideal place to bring digital education closer to learners in a tangible way.

The four-story building is thoughtfully designed to meet the academic and community needs of Miva students. From quiet study areas and exam halls to collaborative spaces and mentorship zones, the new centre provides a structured yet flexible environment where learners can thrive.

From Online-Only to Hybrid Learning

Since its inception in May 2023, Miva Open University has operated as a fully online institution, offering degree programs in areas such as:

• Software Engineering

• Computer Science

• Cybersecurity

• Data Science

• Business Management

The university’s mission has been clear from day one: make quality tertiary education accessible and affordable for all Nigerians. However, the team at Miva understands that learning is more than just screens and schedules, it’s about community, presence, and human support.

The new study centre in Yaba is a response to that understanding. It offers students the opportunity to meet, collaborate, and access guidance physically. It also serves as a central venue for official activities like exams and academic counseling.

Supporting a Growing Student Population

Miva has grown rapidly in less than two years. From just a few hundred students at launch, the university now supports over 9,000 learners across Nigeria and beyond. With continued expansion and rising demand for flexible learning options, Miva is on track to reach over 10,000 students by mid-2025 and an ambitious goal of 100,000 learners by 2027.

This growth is not just about numbers, it’s about building the infrastructure and support systems that make online education effective and inclusive. The launch of the Yaba Study Centre is the first of many steps in that direction.

Sim Shagaya: “Learning Is Also About Belonging”

During the launch, Miva’s founder and Chancellor, Sim Shagaya, spoke passionately about the purpose of the new centre. He stressed that while online platforms have made learning more accessible, they cannot fully replace the power of physical connection.

“Learning isn’t just about consuming content,” he said. “It’s about people. It’s about knowing that you’re not alone on this journey.”

Shagaya emphasized the need to create safe, welcoming spaces where learners can be seen, heard, and supported—not just as students, but as individuals with unique goals and challenges.

More Centres Coming Soon

Miva’s Yaba centre is only the beginning. The university has revealed plans to launch more physical centres in other parts of Nigeria, including underserved and rural communities. This aligns with Miva’s broader vision of bridging educational gaps and ensuring that all learners, regardless of background, have access to tools, spaces, and support systems that help them succeed.

By expanding its physical presence, Miva hopes to create a robust hybrid learning ecosystem that combines the best of both digital and traditional education.

What This Means for the Future of Education in Nigeria

The launch of Miva’s first physical centre reflects a growing trend in education, not just in Nigeria, but globally. Students are increasingly looking for flexible learning options that give them control over how, when, and where they learn. At the same time, they still want the structure, interaction, and mentorship that physical campuses provide.

Miva’s hybrid approach is a forward-thinking model that blends scalability, accessibility, and community. It offers a blueprint for how edtech companies and digital universities can continue to innovate without losing sight of human connection.

Final Thoughts from JiCrest

At JiCrest, we celebrate this bold step by Miva Open University. We see it as a significant advancement for digital education in Nigeria and a signal that the future of learning is not just online, it’s also personal, local, and deeply human.

We look forward to watching how Miva continues to innovate, expand, and inspire a new generation of learners across Nigeria and Africa.