Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the pioneer graduating class of MIVA Open University, describing their achievement as proof that technology is breaking traditional barriers to higher education and expanding access to quality learning.
Speaking at the university’s maiden convocation ceremony held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, Iganmu, Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said the event marked not only the graduation of the institution’s first set of students but also the realisation of a bold vision to make university education more accessible, flexible, and relevant to the demands of the modern world.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the governor praised the graduates for their resilience and discipline, describing them as pioneers of a new learning model redefining higher education in Nigeria.
“You are more than graduates; you are trailblazers. Your success has shown that learning can thrive beyond the traditional classroom and that technology can open doors to knowledge and opportunity for countless others,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also commended the leadership of MIVA Open University for embracing innovation and digital learning, noting that the institution’s growth aligns with Lagos State’s vision of building a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation, creativity, and human capital development.
He highlighted government initiatives such as Lagos Innovates, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), and the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, all aimed at equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive digital economy.
The governor urged the graduates to embrace entrepreneurship, innovation, and lifelong learning, stressing that success belongs to those who are adaptable, creative, and willing to create opportunities while maintaining integrity.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the graduation as evidence that learning is no longer confined to the four walls of a classroom, adding that MIVA represents the democratisation of knowledge through flexible access to quality education.
The Keynote Speaker and Sarkin Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, stated that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege, warning that any nation that limits access to education undermines its own development.
He also stressed the importance of girl-child education as a critical driver of sustainable national growth.
The Chancellor of MIVA Open University, Sim Shagaya, expressed confidence that the pioneer graduates would excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The maiden convocation ceremony marked a significant milestone for MIVA Open University, reinforcing the growing role of technology in reshaping higher education and expanding access to learning across Nigeria.