By Daniel Edu
The National University Commission (NUC) has officially granted a license to the London Academy of Business School (LABS) in collaboration with the University of Sunderland in the United Kingdom to operate in Nigeria. This significant development was confirmed by Dr. Derek Watson, an associate professor from the Faculty of Business Law at LABS, following a meeting with Chris Maiyaki, the Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, in Abuja.
Watson described the meeting as highly productive, highlighting the University of Sunderland’s extensive 30 years of experience. He revealed that the first academic session is scheduled to commence in January 2024 at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria in Abuja.
Watson also emphasized that the educational standards in Nigeria would be on par with those in the United Kingdom, and LABS is fully committed to adhering to NUC’s environmental and operational guidelines. He stated, “The student will get the same experience as those students studying in England.”
Additionally, Dr. Larry Jones-Esan, the President/Director of Studies at LABS, clarified that the purpose of the visit to NUC was to secure operational recognition for offering Sunderland courses in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of obtaining NUC recognition, as degrees issued without such recognition would be considered useless and ineligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Jones-Esan expressed confidence that LABS would align its programs with the country’s regulations, ensuring that all activities adhere to the guidelines set forth by NUC. He also praised the collaboration between the University of Sunderland and LABS, expressing hope that the initiative would help address the challenges of university admissions in Nigeria.
The team also visited the Public Service Institute of Nigeria, which will serve as the study center for LABS in Abuja. The Institute’s Administrator, Abdul-Ganiyu Obatayinbo, welcomed the team and lauded the facilities available at the Institute, stating that they are even superior to those of the University of Sunderland in the UK. The Public Service Institute is equipped with various amenities, including a 500-seat auditorium, multiple 30-seat capacity halls, hostels, a hospital, security quarters, sports complexes, and an entrepreneurship center, all contributing to a conducive teaching and learning environment.
Courses to be offered at the undergraduate level include computer science, business and management, and network system engineering, among others. At the master’s level, programs such as business administration, international business management, and education leadership will be available.
