Olowolafe Urges Education Reform and Supports Open Learning

Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, the newly appointed Pro‑Chancellor of Miva Open University, urged a comprehensive rethinking of higher‑education delivery in Nigeria. He argued that quality education must be available to everyone, regardless of geographic, economic or social constraints.

During the university’s inaugural convocation in Lagos, Olowolafe highlighted open and distance learning as a powerful means to democratise education while maintaining academic rigour.

Although trained as a physician, Olowolafe believes that future education systems should adapt to students’ circumstances rather than forcing them to fit into obsolete models.

“Democratising education does not mean lowering standards,” he said. “It means refusing to let learning conditions become a barrier to quality. It means designing systems that meet students where they are, not systems that demand students rearrange their entire lives to fit a model built for a different era.”

He reflected on Nigeria’s educational legacy, citing the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s introduction of free education and educational broadcasting, which expanded learning beyond conventional classrooms.

According to Olowolafe, Miva Open University is the contemporary evolution of that vision.

“Where the student cannot travel to the classroom, the classroom must learn to travel to the student,” he said, noting that the institution uses technology to bridge educational gaps.

The academic challenged the notion that open and distance learning is a lesser alternative to traditional university education, pointing out that such beliefs have led to underinvestment in a system capable of expanding access across Africa.

He stressed that graduates of the university have undergone rigorous academic training and should take pride in their achievements.

Addressing the graduating class, Olowolafe urged them to embrace lifelong learning and act as ambassadors of the university’s mission.

“The credential certifies that you can learn. The real test is whether you keep doing it, deliberately, aggressively, without waiting for an institution to organise it for you,” he charged.