Miva Open University and O2 Academy Join Forces to Prepare Students for Future of Work
Miva Open University has taken a significant step toward bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry practice through a strategic partnership with O2 Academy. This collaboration aims to provide students with professional certifications and real-world industry exposure, ultimately boosting their employability, practical skills, and readiness for the workplace.
The partnership will create a range of opportunities for Mass Communication students at Miva Open University to complement their academic studies with industry insights and hands-on experience. Initiatives will include professional certification programmes, workshops, masterclasses, guest lectures, mentorship schemes, career coaching, conferences, and industry networking events.
Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Funmi Shodipe, Programmes Coordinator for the Department of Mass Communication and Media Studies at Miva Open University, stated: “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.”
She added, “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.”
Ozoemena Mbanefo, Provost of O2 Academy, also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “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.”
This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to aligning academic learning with industry demands, as employers increasingly seek graduates who possess not only academic knowledge but also practical capabilities, digital fluency, adaptability, creativity, and an understanding of contemporary industry practices.
Furthermore, Miva Open University and O2 Academy plan to explore ongoing professional development opportunities, including internships, project-based learning, and other workplace exposure initiatives—creating pathways that benefit students and strengthen the link between higher education and industry expectations.
