Miva Open University, a pioneering privately owned open University in Nigeria, marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of its Lagos Study Centre at 376 Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba, Lagos. The event, attended by students, faculty, dignitaries, and media, also saw the unveiling of MIND (Miva Interactive Neural Dialogue), an innovative AI-powered conversational learning companion designed to revolutionise the academic experience for Miva students.
The launch represents a bold step in blending technology with physical infrastructure to foster collaboration, community, and innovation in Nigerian education.
The Yaba Centre, Miva’s first physical facility, is a flagship initiative aimed at complementing the university’s online learning model with a space for in-person engagement. Spanning modern study rooms and a state-of-the-art Computer-Based Testing (CBT) centre with over 197 computers, the facility is designed to support students’ academic and professional growth.
Sim Shagaya, Chancellor of Miva Open University and Group CEO of uLesson Group, emphasised the importance of physical centres in fostering collaboration and community.
“There are things that transcend technology, collaboration, community, and innovation. This centre is not just for our students and faculty but for our place in the larger society,” Shagaya said during the opening ceremony.
He highlighted that the centre is part of a long-term vision to establish similar facilities in every local government area in Nigeria, with the Yaba Centre serving as the blueprint for at least 774 planned centres.
Miva Open University unveils MIND
The unveiling of MIND, however, stole the spotlight as a groundbreaking tool poised to transform how students engage with their studies. MIND, an AI-powered conversational companion, enables students to participate in real-time, personalised dialogues about their coursework, offering instant feedback on critical thinking, communication, and comprehension.
Initially rolled out for MBA students, MIND is accessible via Miva’s Learning Management System (LMS) on laptops or mobile devices, requiring no additional cost or physical presence at the Yaba Centre.
According to AyoOluwa Nihinola, Miva’s Chief Content Officer, “MIND is a critical part of learning because true understanding is revealed through conversation,” Shagaya explained. “Students can have a 10-minute discussion with MIND about a case study, receive a score, and get immediate feedback on areas for improvement.”
MIND’s functionality is integrated into Miva’s broader learning ecosystem, where students engage with videos, PDFs, case studies, and quizzes. After completing a case study, students can converse with MIND, which evaluates their responses and provides tailored insights to enhance their learning.
Professor Tayo Arulogun, Vice Chancellor of Miva Open University, underscored the tool’s potential to boost students’ confidence in real-world scenarios.
“In meetings or professional settings, communication is key. MIND helps students articulate thoughts clearly and builds their ability to engage in meaningful conversations,” he said.
The AI assesses three core areas – critical thinking, communication, and comprehension – preparing students for practical challenges in their careers.
The launch of MIND aligns with Miva’s commitment to leveraging technology to address Nigeria’s educational challenges. Shagaya noted that emerging technologies like AI and virtual reality will reshape education in the coming years, enabling institutions like Miva to deliver high-quality learning experiences at low costs.
“From 2028, technologies will mature to allow us to teach practical courses like nursing or engineering in virtual reality settings,” he said, envisioning a future where students can practise complex tasks like intubation or bridge-building in simulated environments.
The Yaba Centre, equipped with advanced facilities, is designed to serve as a hub for such innovations, ensuring accessibility for students who may not afford cutting-edge hardware at home.
The opening ceremony was a vibrant affair, featuring a ribbon-cutting, guided tours of the facility, and a live demo of MIND that captivated attendees. The centre’s launch was part of a five-day celebration, culminating in a community event on May 2, 2025, to engage prospective students and parents. Additional activities included a career day on April 30, offering free consultations, and a masterclass to guide academic and professional growth.
Miva’s Yaba Centre and MIND are testaments to the university’s student-centric approach. Registrar Iheanyi Akwitti emphasised that: “Our students are at the heart of everything we do. This centre and tools like MIND are designed with their needs in mind, providing spaces and resources to excel.”
The university plans to expand MIND’s availability to undergraduate students soon, with no additional costs anticipated. Furthermore, Miva aims to share MIND with other institutions, with Shagaya expressing hope that public universities could adopt the tool to enhance learning nationwide.
Founded in 2023 by uLesson, Miva Open University has grown rapidly, enrolling over 2,700 students and offering programmes in fields like computer science, public health, and business management. The Yaba Centre and MIND underscore Miva’s mission to make education flexible, accessible, and impactful.
As Nigeria grapples with limited tertiary admission slots, Miva’s blend of online learning, physical infrastructure, and AI innovation positions it as a leader in transforming education. With plans for nationwide expansion and a focus on affordable, high-quality learning, Miva is laying the groundwork for the future of education in Africa.
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