Nigeria’s ed-tech landscape witnessed a fascinating transformation recently. uLesson, a company known for its K-12 supplementary lessons, surprisingly announced the launch of Miva University, the first fully accredited private open university in Nigeria. This shift begs the question: how did a company focused on after-school tutoring evolve into a university provider?
Building the Foundation: uLesson’s Early Days
In 2019, Sim Shagaya, with a vision for online education in mind, launched uLesson. Unlike most startups, they chose Jos, a quieter city, as their base. This initial phase was dedicated to building a vast library of pre-recorded educational content, initially accessible through USB dongles and offline apps. However, technical difficulties with the dongles and limited internet access in many areas forced them to adapt.
The Pandemic as a Catalyst: Embracing Online Learning
The unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 became a turning point. While schools shut down, internet usage soared. Seizing the opportunity, uLesson shifted their focus entirely to online learning, introducing live classes alongside their pre-recorded content.
Challenges and Expansion: From Jos to Abuja
Despite initial success, customer complaints about the dongles and the need for a more central location for talent acquisition led uLesson to relocate to Abuja in late 2020. This relocation process wasn’t smooth sailing, with some early employees unwilling to move.
Beyond K-12: The Birth of Miva University
Having established a strong K-12 platform, uLesson explored expansion into other African markets. However, curriculum differences across countries presented a hurdle. Shagaya then saw an opportunity closer to home. He directed his focus towards establishing an online university in Nigeria, leveraging uLesson’s expertise in creating digital learning resources.
Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles: The Road to Accreditation
The National Universities Commission (NUC), which regulates tertiary institutions in Nigeria, lacked guidelines for online universities. However, Shagaya saw potential in the NUC’s existing framework for Open and Distance Learning (ODL). Highlighting the similarities between his vision and the ODL approach, he convinced the board of directors to pursue an online university license. After several meetings with the NUC, Miva University finally secured accreditation in May 2023.
A New Era of Education: Miva’s Promise and Challenges
Miva University launched with a focus on affordability and accessibility, offering a blend of pre-recorded sessions, live classes, and personalized support from experienced professionals. While tuition fees may pose a challenge for some, Miva presents a promising alternative to traditional universities, particularly for students like Muneerat Shitta-Bey, who could seamlessly transition from uLesson’s K-12 platform to a higher education program without the traditional wait times.
The Future Unfolds: Leadership Change and Continuous Growth
In October 2023, Shagaya stepped down as CEO of uLesson, transitioning to a broader role as the CEO of the uLesson Group and Chancellor of Miva University. Ayooluwa Nihinlola, a veteran of uLesson since 2019, took over as the new CEO of the K-12 division. This shift signals a dedication towards continued growth and the potential for further innovation in both arms of the uLesson Group.
uLesson’s journey from after-school tutoring to establishing an online university is a testament to its adaptability and the potential of technology to transform education in Africa. While uncertainties remain around affordability and competition, Miva University stands as a bold step towards a future where quality education is more accessible and flexible.
