Miva Open University has entered into a strategic partnership with O2 Academy Nigeria to equip Mass Communication students with professional certifications and industry exposure, addressing the growing demand for graduates who combine academic knowledge with practical workplace capabilities.
The collaboration will offer students access to professional certification programmes, workshops, masterclasses, guest lectures, mentorship and career coaching, conferences, and industry networking events, creating multiple pathways for students to complement their academic learning with hands-on industry experience. Brandspur Brand News understands that the initiative reflects a broader shift in higher education towards industry-integrated learning as employers increasingly prioritise practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
Dr. Funmi Shodipe, Programmes Coordinator for the Department of Mass Communication and Media Studies at Miva Open University, said the partnership ensures students are equipped with strong academic foundations alongside the practical skills required to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. She noted that preparing students for the future requires connecting classroom learning with workplace realities, and that the collaboration gives students access to industry practitioners and practical learning opportunities that build skills, confidence, and industry awareness.
Ozoemena Mbanefo, Provost of O2 Academy, described the collaboration as an initiative that places practical, industry-relevant learning at the heart of the student experience. He said combining academic learning with professional certifications, expert-led sessions and practical exposure will equip students with relevant skills and experiences that support their continued professional development.
The partnership also explores continuous professional development opportunities, creating pathways for internships, project-based learning, and other forms of workplace exposure that benefit students and strengthen the connection between higher education and workplace expectations. Miva Open University, founded in 2023 by the uLesson Group under the leadership of Sim Shagaya, is a licensed private open university in Nigeria that combines technology-enabled instruction with flexible study options and physical support centres. Its academic offerings span computing, management, health sciences, social sciences, and education, alongside short professional courses for continuous learning.
O2 Academy Nigeria, a leading advertising and brand communications school with campuses in Lagos and Abuja, offers hands-on, industry-relevant training through courses in Advertising, Brand Strategy and Account Planning, Content and Copywriting, Art Direction, Digital Marketing, and Filmmaking through its School of Media. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to bringing academic learning closer to industry practice as employers increasingly seek graduates who can demonstrate digital fluency, adaptability, creativity, and an understanding of contemporary industry practices alongside their academic credentials.
