If you are a young Nigerian who has been dreaming of getting a university degree but has been held back by tuition fees, JAMB scores, or the general cost of higher education, then you need to read this guide from start to finish. The MIVA Open University scholarship programs that have emerged in recent years are genuinely reshaping what is possible for Nigerian students, and the options available in 2026 are some of the most exciting yet.
This article covers everything you need to know: what MIVA Open University is, why it matters, the different scholarship programs available at the institution, who can apply, what the benefits are, what documents you need, and how to go about the application process. Whether you are a school leaver just finishing your O-level exams or someone who has been working for a few years but always wanted to complete a degree, there is likely a scholarship option here worth considering.
What Is MIVA Open University?
Before talking about scholarships, it helps to understand the institution itself. MIVA Open University is a private online university in Nigeria, established on March 10, 2023, by The uLesson Group, a Nigerian education technology company that operates in Nigeria and several other West African countries. The Chancellor of MIVA Open University is Sim Shagaya, who is also the founder and Group CEO of The uLesson Group.
On May 16, 2023, MIVA received its official license from the National Universities Commission (NUC), which is the federal agency responsible for overseeing and regulating university education in Nigeria. This licensing is important because it means that degrees earned at MIVA Open University are fully recognized and have the same standing as degrees from any other NUC-licensed institution in Nigeria.
The university operates entirely online through a digital learning platform called Online Distance e-Learning, or ODeL. Students learn through a combination of pre-recorded content, live sessions, digital courseware, and an e-library. There are also physical study centers located in Abuja, Lagos (Yaba), Port Harcourt, and Jos for students who want in-person academic support without attending formal lectures. Examinations for students in Nigeria are conducted at these centers, while international students take exams through proctored online arrangements.
One of MIVA’s most notable features is that it does not require JAMB or UTME scores for admission. Instead, students need to have WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB results showing a minimum of five credits in relevant subjects, including English and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings. This removes one of the most common barriers young Nigerians face when trying to get into university.
MIVA currently operates four schools: the School of Computing, the School of Management and Social Sciences, the School of Communication and Media Studies, and the School of Allied Health Sciences. It also has a School of Postgraduate Studies offering master’s degree programs in Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), Information Technology (MIT), and Public Health (MPH).
Why MIVA Open University Scholarships Matter
In Nigeria, access to higher education remains a serious challenge. Millions of qualified young people miss out on university every year because of limited admission spaces, the JAMB bottleneck, the high cost of tuition, or simply because they cannot relocate to attend a traditional university. MIVA Open University was designed to address all of these barriers at once, and the scholarship programs that have partnered with the institution take things even further by removing the financial obstacle entirely for selected students.
What makes the MIVA Open University scholarship landscape particularly exciting is that it is not just one program. Multiple organizations, from commercial banks to philanthropic foundations, have partnered with MIVA to fund students. Each of these partnerships comes with its own criteria, focus areas, and benefits. Together, they have created what is arguably one of the most accessible pathways to an accredited university degree in Nigeria today.
The Sterling Bank “Beyond Education” Scholarship at MIVA Open University
The most prominent and widely publicized MIVA Open University scholarship is the one offered by Sterling Bank under its “Beyond Education” initiative. This is the scholarship that most people are referring to when they search for the MIVA Open University scholarship, so it deserves a thorough explanation.
Background and Purpose
The Beyond Education initiative is a corporate social responsibility program organized by Sterling Bank Limited in partnership with MIVA Open University. The program is part of Sterling Bank’s broader HEART strategy, which stands for Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation. These are the five sectors Sterling Bank has committed to investing in as part of its national development agenda.
The initiative represents a commitment of approximately 2 billion naira over 36 months to fund 600 full-tuition university scholarships for deserving Nigerians. The goal is to democratize access to university education by removing financial and institutional barriers, particularly for young Nigerians who want to earn an accredited degree but cannot afford the cost.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Sterling Bank scholarship at MIVA Open University is a full-tuition scholarship. It covers 100 percent of the university tuition fees for the entire duration of an approved undergraduate degree program. This means that if you are selected, you do not pay a single naira in tuition from your first year until you graduate.
However, it is important to understand what the scholarship does not cover. All other costs, including electronic devices, internet access, textbooks, and living expenses, remain the responsibility of the scholarship winner. Since MIVA is a fully online university, having a reliable device and internet connection is essential, so applicants should factor this into their planning before applying.
The scholarship is flexible and can be used for any course offered at MIVA Open University. Winners can choose any available program in the School of Computing, School of Management and Social Sciences, School of Communication and Media Studies, or School of Allied Health Sciences.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements for the Sterling Bank scholarship at MIVA Open University are relatively straightforward. To qualify as a nominee, you must be a Nigerian citizen. Your age must be between 16 and 35 years at the time of nomination. You must be able to satisfy the standard admission requirements for MIVA Open University, which means you need the required O-level results (WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB) with a minimum of five credits in relevant subjects. As mentioned, JAMB or UTME scores are not required.
The scholarship is only for new entrants, specifically 100-level undergraduate students. You cannot apply if you are already enrolled in another degree-awarding institution. The scholarship would be revoked if a winner is found to be concurrently enrolled elsewhere during their study period at MIVA.
Winners must maintain good academic standing throughout their study period and abide by all university regulations. The scholarship can be revoked for poor academic performance or misconduct. After winning and completing final verification, winners must successfully enroll at MIVA Open University within two admission cycles to avoid forfeiture of the scholarship.
Who Can Nominate?
This is one of the more unique aspects of the Sterling Bank scholarship. To nominate someone (or yourself) for the scholarship, the nominator must hold an active personal savings or current account with Sterling Bank. However, you do not need a Sterling Bank account to be nominated. This means a family member, friend, teacher, or community member who banks with Sterling can nominate you even if you do not have an account with them.
Employees of Sterling Bank or MIVA Open University and their immediate family members are not eligible to nominate. Nominations must be submitted through the official Sterling Bank scholarship website during the designated nomination period.
How Winners Are Selected
The selection process is different from most scholarships because it includes a public voting component. After the nomination period closes, verified nominees are listed on the website, organized by state of residence. Sterling Bank account holders can then vote for their preferred nominees.
At the end of the voting period, the two nominees with the highest number of verified votes in each state and the Federal Capital Territory are declared provisional winners for that round. This means two winners per state, covering all 36 states plus the FCT, for a total of 74 winners selected in each cohort through the state-based voting process.
Provisional winners are contacted by the bank and must formally accept the award within ten business days. After acceptance and final verification, they proceed to enrollment at MIVA Open University within the next available admission cycle.
How to Apply for the Sterling Bank Scholarship at MIVA
The application process begins on the Sterling Bank scholarship portal. Here is the step-by-step breakdown.
First, visit the official Sterling Bank Beyond Education scholarship page and familiarize yourself with the program details and requirements. Then, either nominate yourself or ask someone with an active Sterling Bank savings or current account to nominate you. You will need to complete the nomination form, which asks for your personal details and supporting information.
After the nomination period closes, all verified nominees will be listed on the website under their respective states. You will then need to mobilize Sterling Bank account holders in your community, family, and network to vote for you. At the end of the voting period, the top two nominees in each state are declared provisional winners.
If you are selected, you will be contacted by Sterling Bank and will need to formally accept the award within the specified timeframe. You will then proceed to complete your admission at MIVA Open University.
The Olamilokun Foundation Scholarship at MIVA Open University
Another significant scholarship program at MIVA Open University is the one offered through the partnership between the Olamilokun Foundation and the university. This scholarship focuses specifically on digital technology education and is designed for students pursuing degrees in fields like Software Engineering, Data Science, and Cybersecurity at MIVA’s School of Computing.
The initiative kicked off with the September 2024 admission cycle and is designed to be an annual commitment, with new students joining every academic year and receiving full tuition support until graduation. The first cohort of beneficiaries was selected from underserved communities, and the scholarships were awarded based on both merit and financial need.
According to Harold Olamilokun, the President of the Olamilokun Foundation, this is a long-term mission rather than a one-time gesture. The Foundation has committed to finding new students every academic year through its ongoing partnership with MIVA Open University, and each selected student will have their tuition fully covered until they complete their undergraduate program.
Beyond tuition, students who receive the Olamilokun Foundation scholarship also benefit from career mentorship, internship placement opportunities, and access to the Foundation’s broader digital upskilling initiatives under the Literate Nigeria umbrella. This makes it a more holistic support package than a standard tuition-only scholarship.
The next scholarship cycle under this program is expected to open with nationwide outreach to identify promising candidates from low-income communities. Interested applicants are encouraged to follow the Olamilokun Foundation’s website and social media pages for updates on when applications open.
The Gbemisola Olowolafe Miva Scholarship
A third and more recently launched scholarship program at MIVA Open University is the Gbemisola Olowolafe Miva Scholarship, announced in March 2026 by the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation. This is a landmark initiative representing a 1 billion naira investment over five years, designed to support 1,000 students at MIVA Open University.
The scholarship targets talented individuals who demonstrate academic potential but face financial constraints that would otherwise prevent them from pursuing a university degree. It is a five-year collaboration between the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation and MIVA Open University, with new students being added each year.
Eligibility for the Gbemisola Olowolafe Miva Scholarship
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must have already been offered admission to study at MIVA Open University. This means you need to complete the MIVA admissions process first before applying for the scholarship separately.
You must be able to demonstrate financial need through appropriate documentation. You also need to have a strong academic record or show clear potential for academic excellence. A personal statement outlining your goals, aspirations, and how the scholarship will support your academic and career development is required as part of the application.
Applicants who have been involved in community service, leadership roles, or extracurricular activities may receive additional consideration during the selection process. The scholarship support goes beyond tuition funding, with recipients also receiving mentorship and career development support as part of the program.
Courses Available at MIVA Open University Under Scholarship Programs
One of the advantages of MIVA Open University scholarship programs is that they are generally not restricted to specific courses. Most scholarships, particularly the Sterling Bank scholarship, are valid for any undergraduate program offered by the university. Here is a breakdown of what you can study at MIVA.
School of Computing
This school offers programs in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cloud Computing, and Information Technology. These are among the most in-demand fields in today’s job market, and graduates from these programs are well-positioned for careers in technology both locally and internationally.
School of Management and Social Sciences
This school covers programs in Business Management, Economics, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Public Policy and Administration, and Criminology and Security Studies. These programs combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills that employers value in sectors ranging from finance and government to business and consulting.
School of Communication and Media Studies
This school offers programs in Mass Communication and related disciplines. It prepares students for careers in journalism, public relations, broadcasting, digital media, and corporate communications.
School of Allied Health Sciences
This school offers programs in Nursing Science and Public Health. These programs are accredited and designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare, public health administration, and community health services.
School of Postgraduate Studies
For those who have already completed a bachelor’s degree, MIVA also offers master’s programs in Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), Information Technology (MIT), and Public Health (MPH). While most scholarship programs at MIVA focus on undergraduate students, it is worth monitoring for postgraduate scholarship opportunities as the university continues to grow.
General Admission Requirements for MIVA Open University
Understanding the general admission requirements for MIVA Open University is essential because you need to be admissible to the university before any scholarship can be applied to your studies. Here is what you need to know.
You need a minimum of five credits in relevant O-level subjects from WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB. These credits must include English Language and Mathematics, and they must have been obtained in not more than two sittings. JAMB or UTME results are not required for admission.
Application to MIVA is free and done online through the university’s official portal. Once you receive your admission offer, you will need to enroll and make the required tuition payment unless you are already a scholarship recipient. The standard tuition fees at MIVA start from 350,000 naira per year for undergraduate students, with fees varying by program. For those without a scholarship, MIVA also offers flexible payment plans by semester to make fees more manageable.
The standard duration to earn a degree at MIVA is four years, which is the same as a traditional university. Admission cycles run three times a year, with classes starting in September, January, and May. Admission for the May 2026 cohort is currently ongoing, and the next cycle after that will begin in September 2026.
What It Is Really Like to Study at MIVA Open University
For many prospective students, especially those who have only ever considered traditional universities, the idea of studying fully online can feel unfamiliar. Here is what you actually experience as a MIVA student.
