In a bold move to revolutionize access to higher education in Nigeria, Miva Open University has unveiled a new study centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with the aim of closing the persistent learning gaps caused by infrastructural and accessibility challenges. The new centre is designed to provide students with a conducive environment that fosters academic excellence, innovation, and collaboration while addressing common barriers faced by learners across the country.
This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to advancing technology-driven education and making quality tertiary learning more accessible to Nigerians, irrespective of their location or socio-economic background.
A Step Towards Educational Inclusion
For years, many Nigerian students have struggled with unstable electricity, unreliable internet connectivity, and the absence of quiet learning environments—factors that have limited their ability to excel academically. Miva Open University’s new study centre directly tackles these challenges by providing a physical hub that ensures constant power supply, stable internet connectivity, and serene study spaces that encourage productivity.
The Port Harcourt centre is more than just a physical space; it is envisioned as a learning ecosystem where students can study, collaborate, and connect with peers and instructors both online and offline.
Purpose and Facilities of the New Centre
According to the university’s management, the new centre will serve as a multifunctional academic hub offering:
- Reliable power and internet for uninterrupted learning experiences.
- Dedicated reading rooms and study areas to promote focus and concentration.
- Collaborative spaces for group discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions.
- Examination and tutorial centres for both online and in-person assessments.
- Support desks for admissions, academic counselling, and student welfare.
- Event spaces for community gatherings, seminars, and professional networking.
The university also plans to host regular workshops and mentorship programs at the centre to help students enhance their digital literacy, employability, and problem-solving skills.
Leadership’s Commitment to Bridging Learning Gaps
During the inauguration of the study centre, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tayo Arulogun, emphasized that the facility symbolizes Miva Open University’s mission to bridge Nigeria’s educational divide. He urged students to take ownership of the centre and maximize its benefits by actively engaging in academic and extracurricular activities.
Professor Arulogun highlighted that learning should go beyond online classes and textbooks, noting that Miva’s blended learning model offers the flexibility and support necessary for students to succeed in today’s competitive world.
On his part, the Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Oladipo Olugbemi, noted that Rivers State represents a key educational hub for the institution, with a growing number of enrolled students. He stated that the decision to establish the new centre in Port Harcourt aligns with Miva’s broader vision of delivering high-quality, accessible, and technology-driven education that meets global standards.
Miva Open University’s Educational Model
Founded in 2023 and licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC), Miva Open University has distinguished itself as a trailblazer in digital higher education in Nigeria. The university offers a blended learning system that combines online instruction with physical support through learning centres. This approach ensures that students enjoy both the flexibility of remote learning and the structure of traditional academic engagement.
Miva offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including:
- Business Management
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Public Health
- Nursing Science
- Mass Communication
- Software Engineering
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Information Technology (MIT)
These programmes are carefully designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills and global competencies needed to thrive in today’s digital economy.
Addressing Nigeria’s Education Challenges
Nigeria’s educational sector has long battled issues such as poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, and limited access to tertiary education. Millions of young Nigerians remain locked out of the university system due to overcrowded institutions and insufficient resources.
Miva Open University’s initiative directly responds to these issues by leveraging technology, innovation, and community-focused infrastructure to make learning more inclusive. The establishment of study centres like the one in Port Harcourt helps reduce digital inequality and ensures that students in different regions can benefit from equal learning opportunities.
By integrating both physical and online platforms, Miva is setting a new benchmark for open and distance learning in Nigeria—one that combines flexibility, accessibility, and academic quality.
Empowering Students and Communities
Beyond providing academic resources, the study centre also aims to foster a sense of community and shared purpose among students. Through organized workshops, peer mentoring programs, and local partnerships, Miva hopes to create an environment that encourages innovation, leadership, and personal growth.
The university’s leadership reiterated that this initiative is not just about infrastructure—it’s about empowering students to own their learning journey, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
A New Dawn for Higher Education in Nigeria
The unveiling of the Port Harcourt study centre marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s education landscape. It demonstrates the potential of digital universities to complement traditional institutions and close the existing learning gaps.
As the country continues to explore solutions for its education challenges, Miva Open University’s model could serve as a blueprint for how technology and innovation can drive inclusivity and excellence in learning.
