His Royal Highness Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, PhD, CON, Sarkin Kano, has charged graduates of MIVA Open University to view education as a lifelong pursuit rather than merely a pathway to employment, emphasizing that true education is about personal growth, self-improvement, and the continuous acquisition of knowledge.
Sanusi gave the charge while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Convocation Ceremony of Miva Open University, where he underscored the transformative role of education in shaping individuals and societies.
Addressing the graduating class, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria stressed that education should never be reduced to a means of securing employment or financial gain.
“Education is not a meal ticket; it’s about yourself. You study because you want to improve yourself,” he said.
According to the respected monarch and economist, the essence of education extends beyond earning certificates or qualifying for jobs. Instead, he said, education equips individuals with the intellectual capacity, character, and resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges and contribute meaningfully to society.
Sanusi further described education as a fundamental human right that should be accessible to everyone regardless of geographical location, economic background, or social status.
“Education is not a privilege; it’s not a reward. Education is a right,” he declared.
He commended Miva Open University for expanding access to quality higher education through technology-driven learning, describing the institution’s model as a significant step toward promoting educational equity and inclusion.
According to him, the university’s approach goes beyond offering convenience to students by making learning accessible through digital platforms.
“What Miva has done is not merely convenience; it is moral. It is a deliberate act of justice, taking education to where the student is,” he stated.
Sanusi noted that innovations in open and distance learning have become increasingly important in addressing barriers that have historically prevented many Nigerians from pursuing higher education.
He said institutions such as Miva Open University are helping to democratize education by creating opportunities for students who might otherwise have been excluded because of distance, financial limitations, employment commitments, or other personal circumstances.
Turning his attention to the realities awaiting graduates after school, Sanusi advised them to prepare for a competitive labour market that would demand perseverance, adaptability, and innovation.
He cautioned that academic qualifications alone would not guarantee success, urging graduates to cultivate resilience and continuously develop new skills.
“The job market will test your patience and resilience,” he said.
The keynote speaker encouraged the graduating students to become solution providers rather than critics of societal problems.
According to him, those who create opportunities instead of waiting for them are ultimately the individuals who transform economies and shape the future.
“The people who create their own opportunities, who solve rather than complain—these are the people who ultimately build what the system becomes,” he said.
Sanusi also challenged the graduates to deliberately expand their knowledge and competencies in order to remain relevant in an increasingly dynamic and technology-driven global economy.
He urged them to continuously improve themselves until their skills and capabilities become indispensable.
“Expand your capabilities until the circumstances have no choice but to accommodate you,” he advised.
He further encouraged the graduates to surround themselves with people who would challenge them intellectually and inspire them to pursue excellence.
According to him, personal and professional growth depends largely on maintaining relationships with individuals who encourage continuous learning and critical thinking.
“Find people who challenge you. Keep learning; you’re not leaving education today. You’re acing one form of it,” he said.
Sanusi emphasized that graduation should not be viewed as the end of education but rather the beginning of a lifelong commitment to learning and self-development.
He described knowledge as a continuous journey that extends beyond the classroom and formal academic programmes.
“Knowledge is not a phase of life; it is life itself,” he remarked.
watch video:
Reflecting on the role of Miva Open University in the lives of its graduates, the Emir said the institution had provided them with a strong academic foundation upon which they must build successful careers and meaningful lives.
He reminded the graduates that while the university had equipped them with the necessary tools, the responsibility for their future achievements ultimately rests with them.
“Miva has only given you a foundation; what you build on it is ultimately up to you,” he stated.
In his concluding remarks, Sanusi described the graduating class as evidence of the success of the university’s vision to make quality education more accessible through innovative learning platforms.
He said the achievements of the graduates validate the institution’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and preparing students for leadership in a rapidly changing world.
“Miva Open University is making an argument. You—the graduating class—are the proof of that argument,” he concluded.
The 2026 Convocation Ceremony brought together members of the university community, academic leaders, parents, graduates, and distinguished guests to celebrate the accomplishments of students while reaffirming the institution’s commitment to expanding access to quality higher education through digital innovation and flexible learning.
