Miva Open University Owner / Founder: Who Founded Miva University?
Miva Open University is one of Nigeria’s newer universities and has attracted considerable attention because of its fully online learning model. As more students search for flexible alternatives to traditional university education, one common question is: Who owns Miva Open University, and who is the founder?
The person most closely associated with the establishment and vision of Miva Open University is Sim Shagaya, a Nigerian entrepreneur and the founder of the uLesson Group. Miva Open University was established in 2023 by the uLesson Group under Shagaya’s leadership and was licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC). (Miva Open University)
Who Is the Founder of Miva Open University?
Sim Shagaya is the entrepreneur most closely associated with the founding of Miva Open University.
Miva Open University was established by the uLesson Group, the education company behind uLesson. The university was created as part of the group’s broader vision of using technology to make quality education more accessible to African learners. (uLesson)
Miva’s official website identifies Sim Shagaya as its Chancellor, while the university’s leadership information also identifies him as a major leader within the institution and the uLesson Group. (Miva Open University)
Therefore, when people ask “Who founded Miva Open University?”, the short answer is Sim Shagaya, through the uLesson Group.
Who Owns Miva Open University?
Miva Open University is part of the uLesson Group. It is therefore more accurate to describe the university as an institution established and operated within the uLesson Group rather than suggesting that it is personally owned by Sim Shagaya as an individual.
The uLesson Group has expanded from its original K-12 education platform into higher education through Miva Open University. In 2026, the group described Miva as a licensed private open university and one of its major education institutions. (uLesson)
This distinction is important because the terms “founder” and “owner” are sometimes used interchangeably online. Sim Shagaya is strongly associated with the founding and vision of Miva, while the university operates as part of the uLesson Group.
When Was Miva Open University Founded?
Miva Open University was established in 2023.
The university began operations after receiving approval to operate as an open university in Nigeria. Miva’s official information states that it was established in 2023 by the uLesson Group and describes it as Nigeria’s first fully online university. (Miva Open University)
The institution was designed to address some of the limitations associated with conventional university education, particularly physical location, limited capacity and the difficulty of combining education with work or other responsibilities.
What Is Sim Shagaya’s Role at Miva Open University?
Sim Shagaya has held a prominent leadership position at Miva Open University.
He is identified as the Chancellor of Miva Open University. The university’s official website also highlights his role as the founder and Group CEO of the uLesson Group. (Miva Open University)
As an entrepreneur, Shagaya has been involved in several technology and business ventures. He is also known for founding Konga and E-Motion Advertising before focusing heavily on education technology through the uLesson Group.
In May 2026, the uLesson Group announced a leadership transition under which Sim Shagaya would move from Group CEO to Executive Chairman, while Iheanyi Akwitti was designated to become Group CEO. (uLesson)
This change in the wider group leadership does not change Shagaya’s historical association with the founding and development of Miva Open University.
Why Did Sim Shagaya Establish Miva Open University?
One of the major ideas behind Miva is to make university education more accessible through technology.
Traditional universities generally require students to attend physical campuses. This can create challenges for working professionals, parents, entrepreneurs and students who live far away from major educational centres.
Miva’s model allows students to access lectures and learning resources online. The university provides recorded lessons, live virtual classes and other digital learning resources designed to support students studying remotely. (Miva Open University)
The concept is also connected to the broader mission of the uLesson Group: using technology to expand access to quality education for African learners.
Is Miva Open University a Private University?
Yes. Miva Open University operates as a private open university in Nigeria and is licensed by the National Universities Commission.
The university’s official website states that it is licensed by the NUC, while the uLesson Group describes Miva as a licensed private open university. (Miva Open University)
Students considering Miva should always confirm current admission requirements, programmes, fees and accreditation information directly from the university before applying.
For students researching alternative university admission routes, you can also read EducationalHub’s guide on private institutions that offer admission without JAMB. The page includes Miva Open University among the institutions discussed. (Educational Hub)
What Programmes Does Miva Open University Offer?
Miva Open University offers programmes across several academic areas.
Its programmes include fields such as:
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
- Software Engineering
- Information Technology
- Business Management
- Economics
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- Public Policy and Administration
- Criminology and Security Studies
- Mass Communication and Media Studies
- Public Health
- Nursing Science
The university also offers postgraduate programmes, including MBA, MPA, Master of Information Technology and Master of Public Health programmes. (Miva Open University)
The availability of programmes can change, so prospective students should check the latest programme list before submitting an application.
Students interested in online education can also explore EducationalHub’s information on online tuition and degree opportunities.
Is Miva Open University Fully Online?
Miva Open University was established around a fully online learning model and describes itself as Nigeria’s first fully online university.
Students can access recorded lessons and participate in interactive virtual classes. The university has also introduced physical community and study centres to provide additional support for students who want access to physical learning spaces. (Miva Open University)
This combination of online learning and physical support can make the institution attractive to students who want flexibility without completely losing access to face-to-face academic support.
Miva Open University and Student Opportunities
One advantage of flexible online education is that students may have more opportunities to combine their studies with work, entrepreneurship or other income-generating activities.
Students can explore legitimate small businesses and digital opportunities while studying. EducationalHub also provides a guide covering genuine businesses students can start with little capital, including digital marketing, web services and other student-friendly opportunities. (Educational Hub)
Recommended Side Hustle for Students
Students looking for an additional source of income online can consider Netcontcts Business Nigeria as a platform for discovering business opportunities, services and online visibility.
You can visit Netcontcts Business Nigeria to learn more about the platform and available opportunities.
However, students should carefully evaluate any online business opportunity before investing money. Avoid schemes that promise guaranteed returns or require suspicious upfront payments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miva Open University
Who founded Miva Open University?
Miva Open University was established in 2023 by the uLesson Group under the leadership of Sim Shagaya. Sim Shagaya is the entrepreneur most closely associated with the founding and vision of the university. (Miva Open University)
Who is the owner of Miva Open University?
Miva Open University is part of the uLesson Group, a private education company. It is more accurate to identify the uLesson Group as the organisation behind the university rather than describing Sim Shagaya as its sole personal owner. (uLesson)
Is Sim Shagaya the Chancellor of Miva Open University?
Yes. Miva Open University’s official website identifies Sim Shagaya as Chancellor. (Miva Open University)
When was Miva Open University established?
Miva Open University was established in 2023 and subsequently began admitting students to its programmes. (Miva Open University)
Is Miva Open University accredited?
Miva Open University is licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Prospective students should nevertheless confirm the current accreditation and approval status of their specific programme before applying. (Miva Open University)
Conclusion
Miva Open University was established in 2023 by the uLesson Group under the leadership of Sim Shagaya, making Shagaya the key founder associated with the institution. The university forms part of the uLesson Group’s broader strategy of expanding access to technology-enabled education in Nigeria and Africa. (Miva Open University)
While Sim Shagaya is widely described as the founder behind Miva’s establishment and serves as its Chancellor, the university itself operates as part of the uLesson Group. It has developed a flexible online learning model designed to help students earn university degrees while managing work, business and other commitments.
For prospective students, the most important step is to verify current admission requirements, available programmes, tuition fees and NUC status directly from Miva Open University’s official channels before making an application.