Miva Open University has reinforced its commitment to bridging the gap between academic and industry knowledge, as it partners with O2 Academy to offer professional certifications and industry exposure opportunities. The partnership is designed to strengthen student employability, practical skills, and exposure to industry opportunities.

According to Miva, the strategic partnership will create opportunities for Mass Communication students at Miva Open University to complement academic learning with industry knowledge and practical experience through professional certification programmes, workshops, masterclasses, guest lectures, mentorship programmes, career coaching programmes, conferences and industry networking events, amongst other collaboration opportunities.

Commenting on the partnership, Programmes Coordinator, Department of Mass Communication and Media Studies at Miva Open University, Dr. Funmi Shodipe, said; “This partnership reflects Miva’s commitment to ensuring that students are equipped with strong academic foundations, alongside the practical skills and professional exposure required to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.”

“At Miva, we recognise that preparing students for the future requires connecting what they learn in the classroom with the realities of the workplace. This partnership with O2 Academy gives our Mass Communication students access to professional certifications, industry practitioners and practical learning opportunities that complement their academic experience and help them build the skills, confidence and industry awareness needed to advance in their careers.”, Dr. Shodipe added.

Also speaking on the partnership, Provost, O2 Academy, Ozoemena Mbanefo remarked; “We are delighted to collaborate with Miva Open University on an initiative that places practical, industry-relevant learning at the heart of student experience. By combining academic learning with professional certifications, expert-led sessions and practical exposure, we look forward to equipping students with relevant skills and experiences that will support their continued professional development.”

 The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to bringing academic learning closer to industry practice, as employers increasingly seek graduates who can combine academic knowledge with practical capabilities, digital fluency, adaptability, creativity, and an understanding of contemporary industry practices.

According to Miva, the collaboration will also explore continuous professional development, creating pathways for internships, project-based learning, and other forms of workplace exposure, that will benefit students and strengthen the connection between higher education and workplace expectations.

About Miva Open University

Founded in 2023 by the uLesson Group under the leadership of Sim Shagaya, Miva Open University is a licensed private open university in Nigeria. The university aims to make higher education more accessible by combining technology-enabled instruction with flexible study options and physical support centres. Its academic offerings span computing, management, health sciences, social sciences, and education, as well as short professional courses for continuous learning.

About O2 Academy

O2 Academy Nigeria is a leading Advertising and Brand Communications School dedicated to nurturing the next generation of creative professionals in Africa. With campuses in Lagos and Abuja, O2 Academy offers hands-on, industry-relevant training through courses in Advertising: Brand Strategy/Account Planning, Content and Copywriting, Art Direction, Digital Marketing and Filmmaking (School of Media).

For more inquiries:

Visit www.miva.edu.ng or contact Miva Open University via phone at +234 700 044 4000, via WhatsApp at

+234 913 230 0000, or by email at [email protected].