We feature one of the pioneer students of the Miva MBA programme in this year’s second edition of Miva Star of the Week!
As a SaaS product manager, brand strategist, and digital marketing expert, Daniel Itodo-Musa is balancing a demanding career while pursuing his academic goals at Miva.
In this interview, he opens up about his experience with Miva’s flexible learning model, his aspirations, and the impact of his MBA journey on his career. Let’s dive right into it.
In This Post
Let’s Meet Daniel
Let’s begin with an introduction. Can you please introduce yourself, tell us what cohort you’re from, and what programme you’re studying?
My name is Daniel Itodo-Musa. I’m from the September 2024 cohort of the Miva MBA programme. I am a SaaS product manager as well as a brand manager.
You do a lot outside of school!
Yes, I do.
Can you give us a little more detail about yourself? What led you to Miva?
Alright, so as I mentioned, I’m into product management, brand management, and digital marketing.
One of the things that led me to Miva was the flexibility of the programme, as well as its innovative approach. I love innovation, and I first heard about Miva from a friend whose brother is an undergraduate student here.
At the time, I was looking for a university where I could pursue my Master’s degree with the flexibility and convenience I needed. I did my research and loved the school’s model and how they engage with students. That’s what drew me to Miva, and I decided to enrol in the MBA programme.
And here you are! So, how has the programme been for you so far?
Honestly, it’s been challenging but enlightening. It’s different from the traditional Nigerian university experience, especially since it’s 100% online.
But the convenience and accessibility allow me to balance work and learning effectively. Plus, the sense of community makes it even better.
Beyond Academics
Before we go deeper into academics, let’s ask a fun question. What’s your favourite song right now? And who’s your favourite musician?
I listen to a lot of music, but right now, I’d say KB—he’s a gospel rapper. My favourite song at the moment is “Armies” by KB.
Nice! Now, you mentioned that you’re a product manager. But what’s something you’re really passionate about, and what sparked that interest?
I’m passionate about business and entrepreneurship—taking ideas from concept to reality and seeing them succeed.
I think my interest in business started naturally. My father was into sales and marketing, but beyond that, I’ve always been interested in problem-solving and making things work efficiently.
I started my product management career about three or four years ago. Over time, I realised I wanted to develop a deeper understanding of business, which led me to pursue an MBA at Miva. I wanted to complement my existing knowledge about product management.
That’s great! You’ve already explained why you chose to study for an MBA. Now, let’s talk about impact.
Impacting Society and the Business Landscape
How do you think earning an MBA will positively impact Nigeria, your community, or even businesses in general?
Studying for an MBA at Miva has exposed me to global best practices in business. I’ve learned techniques and strategies that can help me make a real impact, whether through consulting or working in a company.
One of the key takeaways from my MBA so far is that business isn’t just about profit. Companies have a social responsibility to their customers and communities. Miva has taught me how to balance business goals with ethical considerations.
Wherever I work, I want to help businesses create better products and services—not just for profit but also to positively impact society.
That’s really cool. So what’s your specialisation, and which course has been your favourite so far?
I’m specialising in Marketing and Strategy.
And your favourite course?
My favourite course is Marketing Management and Strategy.
Why do you like it?
Maybe because it’s a field I’m already interested in and familiar with.
Networking and Community
You know, one concern people have is that since it’s an online university, they won’t be able to meet others. But have you been able to make friends at Miva Open University, considering it’s an online platform?
How has your experience been? Feel free to shout out to your friends!
I won’t say friends, but I’ve made quite a few acquaintances and colleagues. Despite being an online platform, I’ve been able to make acquaintances.
I’m quite active in our WhatsApp community. I even formed a study group where we brainstorm case studies together. This has helped me a lot, as we collaborate to answer questions and clarify ideas.
Shout out to Faith, Jaharat, Mr. Yakubu, Daniel, and quite a number of them.
It sounds like you’re already building a strong community! Do you prefer studying in a group or alone? How do you manage your study sessions?
I study both ways, depending on the situation. I believe the best group study sessions are those where there’s open communication and everyone shares their insights.
In subjects like business administration, there’s often no single correct answer; it’s about how you interpret the material and defend your response. Learning from others in a group setting is definitely a nice experience.
And in one word, how would you describe Miva Open University?
Innovative.
What Balance Is Like
I love that. You’ve mentioned your work as a product manager and brand specialist. How do you balance work and study, especially with such a demanding schedule?
I balance it by delegating my time. I set aside specific times for study and work, breaking everything down into manageable steps.
Do you face any challenges with online studying? If yes, how do you manage them?
Yes, distractions can be an issue. It’s easy to get sidetracked by social media or notifications when studying online. To combat this, I put my phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode and use a focus mode to block out social media apps while studying. This helps me stay focused for extended periods without distractions.
It sounds like discipline is key for you.
I try.
As we wrap up, what advice would you give to someone thinking of enrolling at Miva?
If you’re considering Miva but have doubts, enrol. It’s an excellent university with up-to-date curricula that meet global standards and is recognised by NUC. My advice is: do it now! Don’t wait for the “perfect time when there’s more money or time,” because it might never come. Start your journey today, and Miva will be there to support you through every step of it.
Thank you! Also, Daniel, would you like to share your social media or contact details?
You can find me on LinkedIn at Daniel Itodo-Musa.
Closing Thoughts
Daniel’s story is a testament to the power of flexible learning, innovation, and personal growth. The way he balances work, study, and life is inspiring, and Miva has truly been a solution to his educational needs.
His journey at Miva University is shaping him into a strategic leader and problem solver, prepared to make a lasting impact on businesses and communities.
Thank you, Daniel, for sharing your inspiring journey with us! And to our readers, stay tuned for more features on Miva’s outstanding students. Keep learning, keep growing, and see you next time!
