Udemezue John
There’s a lot of talk right now about online learning, especially with more universities offering flexible study options. One name that’s been popping up more frequently—especially in Nigeria and across parts of Africa—is Miva Open University.
If you’ve heard of it and are wondering, “Is a Miva Open University degree actually valid?”, you’re not alone.
It’s a fair question, and it’s one worth unpacking properly before making any big decisions about your education or career.
I’ve done the digging, checked the sources, and pulled together everything you need to know about Miva Open University and the credibility of its degrees.
Whether you’re thinking about applying or you’re just curious, let’s break it down together clearly and practically.
What Is Miva Open University?
Miva Open University is a fully online university that offers degree programs through digital platforms—think lectures, assessments, and student services all accessible from your laptop or smartphone.
It was launched by uLesson, a Nigerian edtech company known for its digital learning tools for secondary students. Miva is their step into higher education.
The idea is to provide accessible, affordable, and flexible university education that anyone can take part in, no matter where they live.
Miva currently offers undergraduate degree programs in areas like:
Computer Science
Data Science
Cybersecurity
Software Engineering
Public Policy and Administration
Business Management
Economics
All of these are designed to be completed online, with support from faculty and access to course materials through their student portal.
So, Is a Miva Degree Valid?
Let’s get to the point: Yes, Miva Open University is a licensed and recognized institution in Nigeria.
More specifically:
Miva is licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC), which is the regulatory body that oversees university education in Nigeria. Without NUC approval, a university can’t legally grant degrees in the country.
Their NUC license means that Miva degrees are legally valid and recognized just like those from any other NUC-accredited institution in Nigeria.
That’s a big deal, because it means graduates from Miva can:
Use their degree to apply for jobs, promotions, or further education
Present their certificate internationally, just like with any other NUC-accredited school
Still, recognition doesn’t mean “perfect for everyone.” Keep reading to understand the fine print.
How Employers View Online Degrees (Including Miva’s)
This is one of the most important parts of the puzzle—what’s the perception out there?
The truth is: the stigma around online degrees is fading fast. Especially since COVID, remote learning has become the norm in many places, and companies are far more open to hiring candidates with online qualifications—if they come from recognized institutions.
That said, how you position your degree matters. Employers care about:
What you studied
What skills you can actually bring to the table
How you present yourself in interviews
Whether the school is accredited (check ✔ for Miva)
If you’re studying something like tech, business, or data science—and you can prove your skills—most employers won’t care whether you learned it in a physical classroom or online.
What helps is building a strong portfolio alongside your studies. Miva encourages project-based work and skill-building, which is a plus in industries like tech and business.
FAQs
1. Is Miva Open University accredited by the NUC?
Yes. As of now, Miva is fully licensed by the National Universities Commission in Nigeria. That makes its degree programs legally recognized across the country.
2. Can I go for NYSC after graduating from Miva?
Yes, provided you meet the NYSC eligibility requirements (such as age and citizenship), you should be able to register. NYSC accepts graduates from NUC-approved universities.
3. Will employers accept a degree from Miva?
If the employer accepts degrees from any Nigerian university accredited by the NUC, they should accept Miva’s degrees too.
What you studied and what skills you can demonstrate are often more important than where you studied.
4. Can I apply to foreign universities with a Miva degree?
Possibly, yes. Many international universities look for accreditation from your country’s education body.
Since Miva is NUC-licensed, that gives it legitimacy. However, each foreign university has its admission policies, so you’ll need to check specifics.
5. Is Miva’s learning truly online?
Yes. Lectures, assignments, and communication with lecturers all happen online. This setup is ideal for working adults or people with busy schedules.
6. How much does it cost to study at Miva?
Miva’s tuition is generally more affordable than many traditional universities. As of this writing, the cost per semester starts at around ₦150,000 to ₦200,000, depending on the course. (Check Miva’s official site for the latest fees.)
Why Miva Might Be a Good Fit—for the Right Student
Online education isn’t for everyone. But if you’re:
Looking for flexibility (maybe you’re working full-time or parenting)
Interested in tech, business, or admin courses
Comfortable learning independently online
Living in a place with limited access to good physical universities
…then Miva could be a smart choice.
Their courses are designed with current market needs in mind—things like data, software, and digital policy. And they’ve built their platform to work well on mobile, which is crucial in many parts of Africa.
A Few Things to Watch Out For
Even though Miva is legitimate, here are some things I’d keep in mind:
Internet access matters. If you don’t have regular data or stable Wi-Fi, keeping up with classes could be a challenge.
Self-discipline is key. Without physical lectures or in-person exams, you’ll need to stay motivated on your own.
Employers still need to be educated. Some might not recognize the name “Miva” yet. Be ready to explain your education clearly and confidently.
It’s still new. Miva launched in 2023, so it doesn’t have a long track record yet. That doesn’t mean it’s bad—it just means you’re getting in early.
Want to Check for Yourself?
You can verify Miva’s license status through the National Universities Commission website. Look under the list of approved open and distance learning (ODL) institutions.
You can also visit Miva’s official website here: miva.university
Looking for a flexible, affordable way to earn a university degree?
Miva University offers fully online programs designed for busy professionals, working students, and anyone who wants to take control of their education—without putting life on hold.
Backed by uLesson and licensed by Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC), Miva combines quality learning with the convenience of studying from anywhere.
Learn at your pace. Graduate with confidence.
Explore programs and start your journey today at Miva.university
Final Thoughts
In short: Yes, a Miva Open University degree is valid and recognized in Nigeria. It’s licensed by the proper authorities, and its degrees are legally just as valid as those from any other accredited Nigerian university.
But like anything else, your success depends not just on where you study, but how you use what you’ve learned.
So here’s something to think about: If you had the flexibility to learn anything online right now—no classroom, no commute—what would you choose to study, and why?
Let me know what you think. I’d love to hear your thoughts or help if you’re trying to decide your next steps.
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