The National Universities Commission (NUC) has officially granted a license to the London Academy Business School (LABS) in partnership with the University of Sunderland in the United Kingdom to operate in Nigeria. Dr. Derek Watson, an associate professor from LABS’ Faculty of Business Law, confirmed this significant development following a meeting with Chris Maiyaki, the Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, in Abuja.
Watson expressed his satisfaction with the meeting, underlining the University of Sunderland’s extensive 30 years of experience. He disclosed that the inaugural academic session is slated to kick off in January 2024 at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria in Abuja.
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Moreover, Watson emphasized that the educational standards in Nigeria would mirror those in the United Kingdom, and LABS is wholly dedicated to adhering to NUC’s environmental and operational protocols. He stated, “The student will get the same experience as those students studying in England.”
Furthermore, Dr. Larry Jones-Esan, the President/Director of Studies at LABS, clarified that their purpose in visiting NUC was to secure operational recognition for offering Sunderland courses in Nigeria. He underscored the crucial nature of obtaining NUC recognition, as degrees granted without such acknowledgement would be deemed invalid and ineligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
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Jones-Esan expressed confidence in LABS’ ability to align its programs with the country’s regulations, ensuring that all activities adhere to the guidelines set forth by NUC. He also commended the collaboration between the University of Sunderland and LABS, expressing optimism that the initiative would help tackle the challenges of university admissions in Nigeria.
The team also paid a visit to the Public Service Institute of Nigeria, which will serve as the study center for LABS in Abuja. Abdul-Ganiyu Obatayinbo, the Institute’s Administrator, welcomed the team and praised the facilities available at the Institute, stating that they surpass 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 encompass 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.
