Gebeya Inc., the pan-African technology company behind Dala Studio, has partnered with Miva Open University to train more than 25,000 Nigerian students to build and run digital businesses using artificial intelligence.
The initiative aims to close a growing skills gap in Nigeria’s education system, where many graduates lack the practical tools needed to succeed in a fast-changing digital economy.
Under the partnership, students of Miva Open University will gain access to Dala Studio, an all-in-one AI-powered platform that allows users to create apps, websites, games, and digital content without coding or expensive software.
The move comes as African universities face increasing pressure to prepare students for real-world opportunities, rather than focusing mainly on theory. Many young people leave school without the skills required to turn ideas into income-generating ventures.
“This partnership gives our students more than access, it gives them the ability to build. A student can go from idea to product, and from product to income, all within one platform,” said Graham Ekoh, senior manager of projects and partnerships at Miva Open University.
The platform is designed for the African market, supporting local languages and integrating local payment systems. This allows students not only to create digital products but also to launch and monetize them within their own communities.
Amadou Daffe, chief executive officer of Gebeya Inc., said the goal is to remove traditional barriers that have limited innovation among young Africans.
“A student does not need a team, funding, or technical background. They can go from an idea to a working business using one platform. We are putting a full startup engine into the hands of thousands of Nigerian students,” he said.
Across Africa, high software costs, limited technical training, and lack of hands-on experience have slowed the growth of student-led innovation. The partnership seeks to address these challenges by giving learners practical tools to create and earn while still in school.
The programme also introduces a Dala Studio Ambassador initiative, where selected students will lead workshops, create content, and promote the platform within their communities. Organisers say this will help extend the impact beyond the classroom and encourage peer-to-peer learning.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, the ability to build digital products is becoming a key advantage for young people entering the workforce. The collaboration between Gebeya Inc. and Miva Open University reflects a broader shift in higher education towards practical, skills-based learning.
Such partnerships could redefine how universities operate in Africa, moving from traditional teaching models to systems that support innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
By focusing on real-world application, the initiative aims to ensure that students graduate not only with academic knowledge but also with working businesses and income opportunities in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
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