Miva Open University has reaffirmed its status as a National Universities Commission (NUC)-approved institution following recent public debate over which universities are authorised to offer degree programmes through open and distance learning in Nigeria.
The university’s clarification comes after comments credited to the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, suggesting that the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is the country’s only recognised university operating fully through the open and distance learning model.
The remarks generated widespread reactions within Nigeria’s higher education sector, with education stakeholders, operators and observers arguing that the statement did not reflect the current list of institutions licensed by the National Universities Commission.
In a statement sent to members of its community, Miva said it was responding to concerns raised by students and stakeholders over the public discussions.
“We are aware of recent conversations in the public space suggesting that the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is the only institution approved to offer university degrees through open and online learning in Nigeria,” the university stated.
It maintained that it is fully licensed by the National Universities Commission and that its academic programmes have received the required accreditation from the Commission.
According to the institution, the NUC’s official register of approved universities lists Miva among Nigeria’s recognised open universities.
To support its position, the university directed members of the public to the NUC’s official website, where Miva appears among the Commission’s approved private universities operating under the open university model.
A check of the NUC’s published register confirms that Miva Open University, Abuja, is listed among Nigeria’s licensed private universities and is classified as an open university, with Professor Tayo Arulogun serving as Vice-Chancellor.
Miva also referenced remarks made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the university’s maiden convocation ceremony, where he described the institution as representing “the democratisation of knowledge, educational access at scale, flexibility without compromising quality,” adding that it reflects the future direction of higher education.
The university reiterated its commitment to delivering quality education in line with standards established by the National Universities Commission.
The recent debate has reignited conversations around the distinction between Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions and conventional universities that deliver some programmes through online platforms, with stakeholders calling for greater clarity in public communication to avoid confusion among prospective students.
The NUC remains the statutory body responsible for licensing universities and approving the modes under which institutions operate in Nigeria. According to the Commission’s current register, NOUN is Nigeria’s federal open university, while Miva is among the licensed private universities approved to operate under the open university model.
