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Choosing a university is a big decision. In a country where many students struggle with limited admission slots in traditional universities and high tuition fees, it’s essential to know your different options. Open universities in Nigeria provide a flexible and affordable way to earn a degree.
They provide flexible learning opportunities that suit a wide range of students. If you want to study at your own pace, an open university might be the best choice.
In this post, we look at how open universities have evolved, what they offer, and the unique benefits they provide.
In This Post
How Open Universities in Nigeria Started
Every year, over 1.9 million people take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Out of these 1.9 million people, only about 750,000 students get admitted to universities. This leaves around 1.2 million qualified applicants without access to higher education each year.
The problem is worse because Nigeria’s population grows by about 6 million people each year.
Traditional universities, with their limited capacity and rigid structures, cannot accommodate the increasing demand for tertiary education.
This gap led to the establishment of open universities designed to offer distance learning and online programmes, making education more inclusive and adaptable to individual needs.
The First Open University in Nigeria
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) stands as the first and only public open university in Nigeria. Founded to make education accessible to all, NOUN offers a diverse selection of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes through open and distance learning methods.
This approach allows students from various backgrounds to pursue higher education without the constraints of location or time.
Private Open Universities in Nigeria
In addition to the National Open University of Nigeria, several private open universities have emerged in recent times, enriching Nigeria’s educational landscape:
Miva Open University
Miva Open University is the first and one of the fastest-growing private open universities in Nigeria. With the use of advanced technology and artificial intelligence, Miva Open University is dedicated to providing innovative and flexible learning solutions.
Miva’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are designed to meet the evolving needs of students and the job market in the 21st century.
Iconic Open University
Based in Sokoto State, Iconic Open University is a private institution offering programmes in Allied Health Sciences, Arts and Education, Computing Sciences, and Management, Social, and Media Sciences.
The university’s flexible learning options cater to students seeking quality education tailored to their schedules.
West Midlands Open University
West Midlands Open University is committed to providing accessible and affordable education. With faculties in administration and management sciences, social sciences and humanities, and computational sciences and informatics, the university equips students with skills relevant to today’s dynamic world.
Al-Muhibbah Open University
Al-Muhibbah Open University is built on strong ethical values and aims to serve people through quality open and distance education. The university promotes general and practical education for everyone, regardless of their race, beliefs, gender, or political views.
Why Choose Miva Open University?
Miva Open University distinguishes itself through several key advantages:
- Ease of Application: Apply online with the required documents and no fees, and receive your acceptance letter by mail in under 24 hours if eligible.
- Innovative Learning Platforms: Miva utilises cutting-edge technology to deliver interactive and engaging learning experiences.
- Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Programmes are tailored to align with current industry trends, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
- Flexible Learning Options: Miva’s flexible schedules accommodate diverse student needs, making it easier to balance studies with work or family commitments.
- Supportive Learning Environment: A robust support system, including success advisors, office hours with faculty members, and a vibrant student community. This ensures that you have the assistance you need to succeed.
Where Is Miva Open University Located?
Miva Open University operates primarily online, providing education that transcends geographical boundaries. This model ensures that students from various regions can access quality education without the need to relocate.
However, to foster community and create dedicated learning spaces, Miva offers study centres across Nigeria.
The main campus is located in Utako, Abuja.
Courses/Programmes
Miva Open University offers a diverse range of courses across relevant 21st-century disciplines. They include:
Undergraduate Degrees
School of Computing:
- BSc. Computer Science
- BSc. Cybersecurity
- BSc. Data Science
- BSc. Software Engineering
- BSc. Information Technology
School of Management and Social Sciences:
- BSc. Business Management
- BSc. Economics
- BSc. Accounting
- BSc. Public Policy and Administration
- BSc. Entrepreneurship
- BSc. Criminology and Security Studies
- BSc. Mass Communication and Media Studies
School of Allied Health Sciences:
Postgraduate Degrees
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Master of Public Health (MPH) – Upcoming
- Master of Information Technology (MIT) – Upcoming
The Admission Process
Miva’s admission process is streamlined and stress-free, requiring no application fee or rigorous application process from applicants.
Simply:
- Pick a programme
- Start your application
- Gain admission
- Start learning!
Requirements to Study at Miva Open University
Prospective students must meet the following requirements:
- Undergraduate Admission: Applicants must have at least five credits, including English and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings of WAEC or NECO.
- Direct Entry: Candidates with relevant qualifications such as A-levels, OND, or equivalent can apply for direct entry into 200-level courses. Also, candidates with an HND can apply for admission into 300 level.
Notably, there is no need for JAMB’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for admission to undergraduate programmes at Miva Open University.
- Inter-University Transfer: Students wishing to transfer from other accredited universities can do so, provided they meet the transfer requirements.
- Postgraduate Admission: Applicants should have five O’level credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, and a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of second class (Lower Division) in any field. HND graduates require a postgraduate diploma to be eligible.
Postgraduate candidates are expected to have a minimum of 1-2 years post-bachelor’s relevant work experience (which varies by the particular degree).
Conclusion
Open universities in Nigeria have transformed higher education by offering flexible, affordable, and accessible learning opportunities. As the demand for tertiary education continues to rise, open universities such as Miva Open University provide viable alternatives for students seeking quality education without the limitations of traditional universities.
Whether you are a fresh secondary school graduate, a working professional, or someone looking to advance your career, open universities in Nigeria offer an inclusive and modern approach to learning.
So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey at Miva Open University when you apply now!
