Miva Open University has entered into a partnership with Nigerian defence technology company Terra Industries to establish integrated robotics and drone laboratories across its learning centres, beginning with a pilot facility in Abuja.
The collaboration is aimed at strengthening practical engineering education by giving students hands-on experience in robotics, drone technology and autonomous systems as part of their academic training.
Under the arrangement, students will be trained to design, assemble, test and operate drones while integrating practical engineering exercises into their coursework. The initiative is expected to bridge the gap between theoretical instruction and industry practice by exposing learners to emerging technologies that are increasingly shaping sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, security, logistics and infrastructure.
Beyond student training, Terra Industries will organise specialised workshops for students and academic staff to improve teaching capacity in robotics and drone engineering. The company also plans to provide internship opportunities and create employment pathways for outstanding students as part of efforts to develop industry-ready graduates.
Commenting on the partnership, Terra Industries described practical learning as essential to developing Africa’s next generation of engineers.
“Africa’s next generation of engineers should learn by building. This is how we develop the talent that will build the continent’s industrial base,” the company said.
The partnership reflects a growing trend of collaboration between universities and technology companies to equip students with practical skills aligned with labour market demands. It also comes as Nigeria continues to encourage stronger links between higher education institutions and industry to improve graduate employability.
Terra Industries, established in 2024, develops autonomous security systems and intelligent technologies for sectors including energy, mining, maritime security, urban infrastructure, border surveillance and counter-terrorism. Its products include unmanned aerial vehicles, autonomous ground systems and AI-powered security platforms.
The company has also been expanding its manufacturing capacity across Africa. Earlier this year, it announced plans for a 34,000-square-foot drone manufacturing facility in Accra, Ghana, expected to become one of the continent’s largest drone production plants. The facility complements its flagship manufacturing plant in Abuja and forms part of the company’s broader expansion strategy following a $34 million investment secured to scale production and engineering operations across Africa.
Industry observers say the university partnership could become a key talent pipeline for Terra Industries as it expands manufacturing operations, while providing students with direct exposure to advanced engineering technologies and improving their readiness for careers in Nigeria’s growing technology and innovation ecosystem.
