Miva Open University has matriculated no fewer than 8,000 new students, the institution’s largest single intake since its establishment in 2023.

The Chancellor of the University, Mr Sim Shagaya, disclosed this during its 2025 Matriculation ceremony in Abuja.

Shagaya described the 8,000 matriculants as pioneers in a fast-evolving educational ecosystem powered by technology, innovation and community.

He restated the university’s ambition to ultimately establish 774 study centres, one in every local government area.

The chancellor also emphasised Miva’s AI-driven learning tools, an AI-powered educational companion already in use by the students.

He said these technologies were helping “democratise quality at scale” and prepare the students for a rapidly changing global economy.

“There are also new tools on the horizon, tools that will continue to debate what the implications are for humanity, for Nigeria.

“Tools like artificial intelligence that I personally believe will represent incredible opportunity for us.

“And so, we’re harnessing those tools, and we rolled out MIND, which is the Miva Interactive Neural Dialogue, already in use by a great number of our students. This is our AI-powered learning companion,” he said.

Shagaya challenged the new students to be innovators and problem-solvers, urging them to embrace curiosity, collaboration and a commitment to excellence.

“You are not passive recipients of an education; you are active participants in a movement.

“Where others hesitate, move. Back your words with action,” he charged.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Tayo Arulogun, extolled the institution’s remarkable growth since its digital launch in September 2023.

He said that from an ambitious beginning just two years ago, the university now offers 14 accredited undergraduate programmes, and 4 Post-Graduate programmes, demonstrating both rapid expansion and sustained quality.

“Today, we multiply our largest single intake since inception, a milestone that reflects the great confidence in our mission.

“Since opening our digital doors, enrolment has grown exponentially, with thousands of learners joining our community.

“We began with a golden ambition two years ago and have since grown to 14 accredited undergraduate programmes,” he said.

On his part, the former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, who delivered the keynote address, urged the 8,000 new students to recognise the lifelong commitment they have just made.

Fashola applauded the chancellor’s vision, encouraging the students to adopt the same clarity of purpose.

He said, “Just imagine if the 8,000 who are matriculating today also followed their vision and connected another 8,000 persons each.”

Fashola praised Miva’s innovation, especially the inclusion of professors of practice, noting that they bring real-world experience that traditional schooling often fails to provide.

He said these professionals connect the principles and theories they would learn with what was happening in real life.

Fashola encouraged the students to embrace continuous learning, discipline, and strong values.

He urged, “Knowledge alone will not be enough. Your character will be the most important factor.”

Fashola also urged the matriculants to stay focused despite distractions and uphold the values that define true graduates.

He admonished, “Do not let yourself down. I wish you outstanding success in your chosen course of study.”