Is Miva Open University Accredited? NUC Licence, NYSC, WES and UK Recognition Explained (2026)

Quick summary:

Yes. Miva Open University is a private university licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in May 2023, and NUC granted it full operational licensing in September 2026, with its take-off programmes fully accredited. Miva says newer programmes are still going through accreditation, so check your programme. Miva graduates do not do NYSC; they receive an exclusion letter. Miva says WES and UK ENIC can evaluate its degrees because the university is recognised by NUC, but the final decision always belongs to the employer or university abroad.

Before paying for an online degree, most people ask the same questions: Is it real? Will employers accept it? Can I do NYSC? Can I use it abroad? This guide answers each one from Miva's official FAQs, NUC information and news reports, checked on 14 November 2026.

Is Miva Open University approved by NUC?

Yes. Key dates:

Miva's own FAQ says it "offers fully accredited programmes, with newer programmes undergoing accreditation in line with NUC guidelines". So the university is licensed, but check the accreditation status of your exact programme before you enrol, especially newer ones.

You can verify Miva's status through NUC's official channels. See also our list of accredited open universities in Nigeria.

Licence vs accreditation: what is the difference?

• Licence: NUC permission for the university to exist and award degrees. Miva has this.
• Programme accreditation: NUC's approval of a specific course after an inspection. A new programme can run while it awaits accreditation, which is normal for all Nigerian universities.

Can I get a job with a Miva degree?

Miva's FAQ says its degree can be used for jobs "where a recognised university degree is required, subject to the specific requirements of individual employers". In other words, it is a valid Nigerian degree, but each employer sets its own rules. Some employers, especially in government, also ask for an NYSC certificate or exclusion letter (see below).

Can I use a Miva degree for a master's?

Yes, according to Miva. Graduates can apply for postgraduate programmes at other universities, subject to each university's admission requirements.

Do Miva graduates go for NYSC?

No. Miva's FAQ says its graduates are excluded from NYSC and receive a letter of exclusion as official proof of their NYSC status. Miva explains that part-time and distance-learning graduates qualify for exclusion letters.

Note what the letter is and is not. Miva's own NYSC FAQ says an exclusion letter is not the same as a certificate of national service: one confirms you served, the other confirms you were not required to. Miva says employers commonly accept exclusion letters, subject to their own policies.

Graduates of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) are also currently excluded. NUC said in April 2026 that it would review NOUN's exclusion with NYSC, but nothing has changed yet.

Is Miva recognised by WES?

Miva says yes: WES (World Education Services, used for Canada and the US) recognises Miva as a legitimate institution because Miva is recognised and licensed by NUC.

Two things to understand:

• WES does not accredit universities. It evaluates your individual certificate and transcript and compares them with US or Canadian standards.
• The final decision is not WES's. The university, employer or immigration body receiving your report decides.

To get a WES evaluation, you check what the receiving organisation needs, use WES's Required Documents tool, and have your certificate and transcript sent through the approved route.

Is Miva recognised in the UK?

Miva says UK ENIC can assess its degrees for the same reason: NUC recognises Miva. UK ENIC issues a Statement of Comparability showing how your degree compares with a UK qualification. Miva notes this does not guarantee admission, a job, a visa or a professional licence. Standard applications usually take about 15 working days.

Is Miva a real university or a scam?

Miva is a real, legally established university, founded by the uLesson Group, with its main campus in Abuja and study centres in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Jos. To stay safe:

• Apply only through Miva's official website
• Pay only through Miva's official payment channels
• Ignore agents who promise admission for a fee

See where Miva Open University is located for its official addresses.

Thinking of applying?

See Miva Open University courses and school fees, or apply on Miva's website. (We may earn a commission if you enrol through this link. It does not change what you pay.)

More about Miva

• Miva Open University courses and school fees
• Miva postgraduate courses and fees (MBA, MPH, MIT)
• Miva nursing: requirements and fees
• Where is Miva Open University located?
• Miva vs NOUN: which is better?
• Accredited open universities in Nigeria

FAQs

Is Miva Open University accredited by NUC?

Yes. Miva is licensed by NUC, and in September 2026 NUC granted full operational licensing, with its take-off programmes fully accredited. Newer programmes may still be going through accreditation.

Is Miva certificate recognised in Nigeria?

Yes. A Miva degree is a recognised Nigerian university degree, subject to each employer's own requirements.

Do Miva graduates go for NYSC?

No. They receive an NYSC exclusion letter instead.

Is Miva recognised internationally?

Miva says WES and UK ENIC can evaluate its degrees because it is recognised by NUC. Acceptance abroad depends on the receiving university, employer or authority.

Is Miva a private university?

Yes. Miva Open University is a private open university, owned by the uLesson Group.

Disclosure: Some Miva Open University links on this page are referral links. If you enrol through them, MonoEd may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Our fee and course information comes from Miva's official website and is the same whether or not you use the link.