Edtech startup uLesson launches an Open University offering tech-focused undergraduate courses

Nigerian edtech startup, uLesson, which provides online K-12 education across Africa, is expanding into tertiary education with the launch of Miva Open University.

The pan-African distant e-learning institution will be a fully-licensed degree-awarding institution offering undergraduate courses in computing, computer science, cyber security, data science and software engineering. It will also have a school of management and social science featuring degrees in business management, economics, accounting and public policy and administration.

The announcement comes just over a week after uLesson discontinued its 1:1 private tutoring sessions in coding for kids, marking the second time the company has rolled back its DevKids product.

uLesson's founder, Sim Shagaya, said the university aimed to "provide accessible, high-quality education that helps our students succeed in the digital marketplace." The institution is hiring for various roles and plans to transform the tertiary education landscape with "passionate people."

By launching Miva Open University, uLesson will also come up against competitors, including Nigeria-based edtech, AltSchool Africa, which currently offers certifications in software engineering, product and data, for a year-long study including an internship.