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Our Team
Management Board & Faculty Members
Prof. Andrew T Graham
Hon. Academic Director
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Former Executive Dean of the University of Greater Manchester (Bolton) in England, UK with a distinguished career in senior leadership roles across higher education in England. At the University of Greater Manchester (Bolton), Professor Graham led the Research and Graduate School, the department that oversees all doctoral students and processes, as well as on-campus and off-campus divisions. He served as Dean of Faculty and Director of Learning, Retention & Professional Practice, driving initiatives to improve student success and academic quality. He holds a doctorate from the prestigious University of Manchester, and brings extensive expertise in managing academic teams, regulatory frameworks, and international partnerships.
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Former Executive Dean of the University of Greater Manchester (Bolton) in England, UK with a distinguished career in senior leadership roles across higher education in England. At the University of Greater Manchester (Bolton), Professor Graham led the Research and Graduate School, the department that oversees all doctoral students and processes, as well as on-campus and off-campus divisions. He served as Dean of Faculty and Director of Learning, Retention & Professional Practice, driving initiatives to improve student success and academic quality. He holds a doctorate from the prestigious University of Manchester, and brings extensive expertise in managing academic teams, regulatory frameworks, and international partnerships.
Lawrence Brannon
Programme Development Leader
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Associate Head of School and Principal Lecturer in Film and Media at the University of Sunderland, Lawrence is a highly accomplished leader in higher education, recognised for shaping academic programmes across UK universities. With a strong background in educational leadership, he has driven innovation, curriculum development, and academic excellence. Previously, as Head of the Media and Digital Technologies department at UA92, the university founded by Manchester United’s Class of 92, he played a key role in establishing it as a forward-thinking institution, preparing students for the evolving media and digital industries. Lawrence is also a PhD candidate in Media Studies.
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Associate Head of School and Principal Lecturer in Film and Media at the University of Sunderland, Lawrence is a highly accomplished leader in higher education, recognised for shaping academic programmes across UK universities. With a strong background in educational leadership, he has driven innovation, curriculum development, and academic excellence. Previously, as Head of the Media and Digital Technologies department at UA92, the university founded by Manchester United’s Class of 92, he played a key role in establishing it as a forward-thinking institution, preparing students for the evolving media and digital industries. Lawrence is also a PhD candidate in Media Studies.
Dr. Elena Hoffer
Careers & Industry Partnerships Leader
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Holding a doctorate in Medical Sciences, Dr. Hoffer is co-founder of Alma.me, a US-based organisation dedicated to supporting graduates in their transition from academia to industry. As an expert in career development and prepardness, Dr. Hoffer has provided guidance and mentorship to thousands of students and early-career professionals across the globe, helping them navigate the complexities of entering the workforce and securing opportunities in and beyond their respective fields.
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Holding a doctorate in Medical Sciences, Dr. Hoffer is co-founder of Alma.me, a US-based organisation dedicated to supporting graduates in their transition from academia to industry. As an expert in career development and prepardness, Dr. Hoffer has provided guidance and mentorship to thousands of students and early-career professionals across the globe, helping them navigate the complexities of entering the workforce and securing opportunities in and beyond their respective fields.
Prof. Shohreh Ghasemi
Board Member & External Assessor
Strategic Lead for Healthcare Education
Senior Leadership Team
Professor Shohreh Ghasemi is an internationally recognised oral and maxillofacial surgeon, educator, and research leader with a multidisciplinary background in dentistry, surgery, AI in healthcare, and global public health. With over two decades of clinical, academic, and executive experience across North America, the Middle East, and Europe, she has served in roles including Dental Faculty at RCSI, Royal College of Surgeons (Ireland), NASA investigator, and Advisory Board Member at the University of Oklahoma. Prof. Ghasemi has authored over 50 publications, co-led NIH-funded projects, and developed patented dental technologies. Her commitment to humanitarian healthcare, innovation in surgical education, and mentorship has positioned her as a transformative figure in global oral health and academic leadership.
Strategic Lead for Healthcare Education
Senior Leadership Team
Professor Shohreh Ghasemi is an internationally recognised oral and maxillofacial surgeon, educator, and research leader with a multidisciplinary background in dentistry, surgery, AI in healthcare, and global public health. With over two decades of clinical, academic, and executive experience across North America, the Middle East, and Europe, she has served in roles including Dental Faculty at RCSI, Royal College of Surgeons (Ireland), NASA investigator, and Advisory Board Member at the University of Oklahoma. Prof. Ghasemi has authored over 50 publications, co-led NIH-funded projects, and developed patented dental technologies. Her commitment to humanitarian healthcare, innovation in surgical education, and mentorship has positioned her as a transformative figure in global oral health and academic leadership.
Dr. Gulzhan Rysbekova
Governance & Compliance Leader
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
PhD in Business & Management, Dr. Rysbekova is a respected Lecturer at London Metropolitan University. Her career blends high-level industry roles in Big Four firms with academia, establishing her as an authority on systems, processes, governance, and compliance.
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
PhD in Business & Management, Dr. Rysbekova is a respected Lecturer at London Metropolitan University. Her career blends high-level industry roles in Big Four firms with academia, establishing her as an authority on systems, processes, governance, and compliance.
Dr. Mohammad Al-Zu’bi
Systems & Processes Leader
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Engineering academic and researcher specialising in nanotechnology. Experienced in leading educational programmes in the UK and Middle East, and teaching Civil Engineering modules and labs in Higher Education and Adult Learning.
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Engineering academic and researcher specialising in nanotechnology. Experienced in leading educational programmes in the UK and Middle East, and teaching Civil Engineering modules and labs in Higher Education and Adult Learning.
Dr. Anthony Basiel
Doctoral Supervisor
Academic (Education)
Centre for Doctoral Studies
Dr Anthony Basiel is a higher education specialist with over two decades of experience in blended learning, curriculum innovation, and research supervision. He currently serves as a module leader and PhD supervisor at Solent University, and has held academic posts at Bournemouth University, York St John University, and others across the UK. Recognised nationally for his contributions to eLearning design and immersive webinar solutions, Dr Basiel has contributed to over £15M in research and development projects and published extensively in the field. His expertise spans UX, AI in education, and virtual learning environments, supporting both UK and international academic initiatives.
Academic (Education)
Centre for Doctoral Studies
Dr Anthony Basiel is a higher education specialist with over two decades of experience in blended learning, curriculum innovation, and research supervision. He currently serves as a module leader and PhD supervisor at Solent University, and has held academic posts at Bournemouth University, York St John University, and others across the UK. Recognised nationally for his contributions to eLearning design and immersive webinar solutions, Dr Basiel has contributed to over £15M in research and development projects and published extensively in the field. His expertise spans UX, AI in education, and virtual learning environments, supporting both UK and international academic initiatives.
Dr. Nyla Thornton
Doctoral Supervisor
Academic (Education)
Centre for Doctoral Studies
Dr Nyla J. Thornton is an accomplished educational leader with a strong track record in academic administration, program innovation, and student success. Currently serving as Associate Director of Educational Talent Search at Clark Atlanta University, she has driven measurable improvements in graduation rates, program efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. Dr Thornton also holds leadership roles as Dean of Students at Barber-Scotia College and Adjunct Professor at Hampton University, combining strategic oversight with data-informed decision-making. With an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and multiple master's degrees, she brings deep expertise in curriculum design, digital communication, and educational management across K-12 and higher education sectors.
Academic (Education)
Centre for Doctoral Studies
Dr Nyla J. Thornton is an accomplished educational leader with a strong track record in academic administration, program innovation, and student success. Currently serving as Associate Director of Educational Talent Search at Clark Atlanta University, she has driven measurable improvements in graduation rates, program efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. Dr Thornton also holds leadership roles as Dean of Students at Barber-Scotia College and Adjunct Professor at Hampton University, combining strategic oversight with data-informed decision-making. With an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and multiple master's degrees, she brings deep expertise in curriculum design, digital communication, and educational management across K-12 and higher education sectors.
Dr. Van Der Rowe
Doctoral Supervisor
Academic (Education)
Centre for Doctoral Studies
Dr Van Der Rowe is a distinguished academic and programme leader with a PhD in Educational Leadership and Management, currently serving in dual lecturer roles in sport sciences and educational leadership in the UK and internationally. With extensive experience across higher and secondary education, Dr Rowe has held significant leadership positions, including Programme Leader at the University of Technology, Jamaica, and Course Leader at Bedford College Group. He is the author of numerous peer-reviewed publications on physical education, mental health in sport, and post-pandemic learning, and has founded multiple professional associations. His teaching spans curriculum development, research supervision, and cross-disciplinary innovation in sport and education.
Academic (Education)
Centre for Doctoral Studies
Dr Van Der Rowe is a distinguished academic and programme leader with a PhD in Educational Leadership and Management, currently serving in dual lecturer roles in sport sciences and educational leadership in the UK and internationally. With extensive experience across higher and secondary education, Dr Rowe has held significant leadership positions, including Programme Leader at the University of Technology, Jamaica, and Course Leader at Bedford College Group. He is the author of numerous peer-reviewed publications on physical education, mental health in sport, and post-pandemic learning, and has founded multiple professional associations. His teaching spans curriculum development, research supervision, and cross-disciplinary innovation in sport and education.
Dr. Tamer H. Said
Doctoral Supervisor
Academic (Education)
Centre for Doctoral Studies
Dr. Tamer H. Said is an academic in the field of educational psychology, focused on how cognition and motivation shape learning, particularly in science education. He holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and has over 10 years of experience in teaching, instructional supervision, and faculty development across K–16 and higher education. Dr. Said has worked with institutions including Harvard, the Concord Consortium, and Zewail City, contributing to STEM education research and professional development. He is currently engaged at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge.
Academic (Education)
Centre for Doctoral Studies
Dr. Tamer H. Said is an academic in the field of educational psychology, focused on how cognition and motivation shape learning, particularly in science education. He holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and has over 10 years of experience in teaching, instructional supervision, and faculty development across K–16 and higher education. Dr. Said has worked with institutions including Harvard, the Concord Consortium, and Zewail City, contributing to STEM education research and professional development. He is currently engaged at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge.
Dr. Swati Vispute
Doctoral Supervisor
Academic (Business & Management)
Centre for Doctoral Studies
Dr Swati A. Vispute is an accomplished academic and human resource specialist with over 22 years of experience in business education, research, and curriculum development. She has taught more than 7,000 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, delivering over 20 subjects in business and management. Currently lecturing at Global Banking School in Manchester, Dr Vispute has previously held academic leadership roles at Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies and MIT-WPU. A PhD holder and SHRM-SCP certified professional, she brings expertise in HRM, strategic management, academic writing, and research supervision, with a strong commitment to mentoring, social impact, and innovative pedagogy.
Academic (Business & Management)
Centre for Doctoral Studies
Dr Swati A. Vispute is an accomplished academic and human resource specialist with over 22 years of experience in business education, research, and curriculum development. She has taught more than 7,000 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, delivering over 20 subjects in business and management. Currently lecturing at Global Banking School in Manchester, Dr Vispute has previously held academic leadership roles at Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies and MIT-WPU. A PhD holder and SHRM-SCP certified professional, she brings expertise in HRM, strategic management, academic writing, and research supervision, with a strong commitment to mentoring, social impact, and innovative pedagogy.
Dr. Daniel Kungu Njau
Doctoral Supervisor
Academic (Business & Management)
Centre for Doctoral Studies
Dr Daniel Kungu Njau is an accomplished finance professional and academic with extensive experience in economic research, financial modelling, and international development consultancy. With a PhD in Finance from the University of the Witwatersrand, he is a seasoned educator having lectured in Finance, Economics, and Econometrics at institutions including the London School of Economics, St Paul’s University, and the Institute of Management and Technology in New Delhi. His research focuses on corporate finance and emerging markets, with publications in journals such as the Emerging Markets Review and the Journal of Emerging Markets.
Academic (Business & Management)
Centre for Doctoral Studies
Dr Daniel Kungu Njau is an accomplished finance professional and academic with extensive experience in economic research, financial modelling, and international development consultancy. With a PhD in Finance from the University of the Witwatersrand, he is a seasoned educator having lectured in Finance, Economics, and Econometrics at institutions including the London School of Economics, St Paul’s University, and the Institute of Management and Technology in New Delhi. His research focuses on corporate finance and emerging markets, with publications in journals such as the Emerging Markets Review and the Journal of Emerging Markets.
Dr. Bonginkosi H. Mutongoza
Doctoral Supervisor
Academic (Education)
Centre for Doctoral Studies
Dr Bonginkosi H. Mutongoza is a social justice researcher and academic whose work focuses on transforming education through themes such as decolonisation, inclusion, and gender equity. With a PhD in Education from the University of Fort Hare, he has served as a lecturer, research supervisor, and visiting research fellow, teaching and mentoring students across South Africa, Malta, and Iran. Dr Mutongoza has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to discourses on higher education inequality, queer inclusion, and academic integrity. His research leadership and community engagement work have earned him multiple awards and recognition for advancing equitable educational practices.
Academic (Education)
Centre for Doctoral Studies
Dr Bonginkosi H. Mutongoza is a social justice researcher and academic whose work focuses on transforming education through themes such as decolonisation, inclusion, and gender equity. With a PhD in Education from the University of Fort Hare, he has served as a lecturer, research supervisor, and visiting research fellow, teaching and mentoring students across South Africa, Malta, and Iran. Dr Mutongoza has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to discourses on higher education inequality, queer inclusion, and academic integrity. His research leadership and community engagement work have earned him multiple awards and recognition for advancing equitable educational practices.
Dr. Tassadaq R. Qazi
Doctoral Supervisor
Academic (Business & Management)
Centre for Doctoral Studies
Dr Tassadaq R. Qazi is a seasoned academic and expert in Banking, Finance and Business Management, with over 17 years of experience across higher education and diplomatic training roles. He currently serves as a Doctoral Supervisor at Premier Learning Institute and Associate Lecturer at Lancaster University (UA92), where he teaches business ethics, operations management, and sustainability. Holding a PhD in CSR disclosure practices in banks, Dr Qazi has lectured internationally, including at University Technology Brunei and the University of Greater Manchester. He is recognised for his student-centred teaching approach and was named UA92’s Best Lecturer of the Year (2024–2025).
Academic (Business & Management)
Centre for Doctoral Studies
Dr Tassadaq R. Qazi is a seasoned academic and expert in Banking, Finance and Business Management, with over 17 years of experience across higher education and diplomatic training roles. He currently serves as a Doctoral Supervisor at Premier Learning Institute and Associate Lecturer at Lancaster University (UA92), where he teaches business ethics, operations management, and sustainability. Holding a PhD in CSR disclosure practices in banks, Dr Qazi has lectured internationally, including at University Technology Brunei and the University of Greater Manchester. He is recognised for his student-centred teaching approach and was named UA92’s Best Lecturer of the Year (2024–2025).
Saad Saihi
Gamification Pedagogy Leader
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Senior Lecturer in Computer Science (AI & Games Development) at Edge Hill University, and previously a Lecturer at Bath Spa University, the University of Salford, and Liverpool City College. Creator of the Guardian of the Realm research project, a key reference in AI and gaming. He also serves as an External Examiner at London Metropolitan University.
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Senior Lecturer in Computer Science (AI & Games Development) at Edge Hill University, and previously a Lecturer at Bath Spa University, the University of Salford, and Liverpool City College. Creator of the Guardian of the Realm research project, a key reference in AI and gaming. He also serves as an External Examiner at London Metropolitan University.
Joanne Mullan
Mental Health & Pastoral Services Leader
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Psychology Programme Lead at the University of Glasgow, dedicated to lifelong learning and mental health. Doctoral researcher on the role of leadership in supporting learners’ psychological needs. An accredited and experienced mental health educator.
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Psychology Programme Lead at the University of Glasgow, dedicated to lifelong learning and mental health. Doctoral researcher on the role of leadership in supporting learners’ psychological needs. An accredited and experienced mental health educator.
Baland Al-Haidari
International ESL Director
Centre for English Language Learning
Senior Leadership Team
BA(Hons), Dip, CELTA, DELTA
Cambridge-qualified English language teacher, teacher-trainer, and academic manager with a UK Cambridge Delta and Celta. Founder of “English, differently!” and expert in academic English, curriculum design, and edtech innovation. Versatile, with significant cross-cultural experience in Asia and the Middle East, and driven by a passion for AI-enhanced education.
Centre for English Language Learning
Senior Leadership Team
BA(Hons), Dip, CELTA, DELTA
Cambridge-qualified English language teacher, teacher-trainer, and academic manager with a UK Cambridge Delta and Celta. Founder of “English, differently!” and expert in academic English, curriculum design, and edtech innovation. Versatile, with significant cross-cultural experience in Asia and the Middle East, and driven by a passion for AI-enhanced education.
Prof. Edwin Agwu
External Assessor
Academic Quality & Standards
Professor Edwin Agwu is a distinguished academic leader and strategic management expert with over 15 years of experience in higher education across the UK, Africa, and the Middle East. Currently serving as Academic Director at Fortune Educational Services in London, he has held key academic and administrative positions at institutions such as Bath Spa University, Lagos Business School, and Covenant University. Prof. Agwu has supervised over 700 undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations, including 20 doctoral theses, and has published more than 100 peer-reviewed works. His expertise spans curriculum design, quality assurance, research leadership, and consultancy in strategy, entrepreneurship, and marketing.
Academic Quality & Standards
Professor Edwin Agwu is a distinguished academic leader and strategic management expert with over 15 years of experience in higher education across the UK, Africa, and the Middle East. Currently serving as Academic Director at Fortune Educational Services in London, he has held key academic and administrative positions at institutions such as Bath Spa University, Lagos Business School, and Covenant University. Prof. Agwu has supervised over 700 undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations, including 20 doctoral theses, and has published more than 100 peer-reviewed works. His expertise spans curriculum design, quality assurance, research leadership, and consultancy in strategy, entrepreneurship, and marketing.
Joshua Butler
Technology Leader
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
A visionary software developer-turned-entrepreneur, founder of J.Dot Development, a leading global tech company delivering innovative solutions across multiple industries. A specialist in web-based systems and a proud graduate of Lancaster University.
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
A visionary software developer-turned-entrepreneur, founder of J.Dot Development, a leading global tech company delivering innovative solutions across multiple industries. A specialist in web-based systems and a proud graduate of Lancaster University.
Aklima Haris
Complementary Education Leader
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Over 20 years of international teaching and leadership experience. A former headteacher and Ofsted inspector, have driven improvements in educational standards across diverse settings. Founder and CEO of the GEMS Nursery brand (UK). Holding an MA in Educational Leadership, and the NPQEY, and currently undertaking doctoral research focused on pedagogy.
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Over 20 years of international teaching and leadership experience. A former headteacher and Ofsted inspector, have driven improvements in educational standards across diverse settings. Founder and CEO of the GEMS Nursery brand (UK). Holding an MA in Educational Leadership, and the NPQEY, and currently undertaking doctoral research focused on pedagogy.
Jou Yin Teoh
Internationalisation Leader
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Senior Lecturer and Senior Tutor, London School of Occupational Therapy at Brunel University of London. Former Head of Programme in Malaysia; driven by social justice, mobility and employability with special interests in race equity, neurodiversity, digital accessibility and support for international students.
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Senior Lecturer and Senior Tutor, London School of Occupational Therapy at Brunel University of London. Former Head of Programme in Malaysia; driven by social justice, mobility and employability with special interests in race equity, neurodiversity, digital accessibility and support for international students.
Ash Chowdhury
Data Leader
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Experienced Data Scientist with a background in Computer Systems Engineering and a seasoned educator as a former Senior Lecturer in Computer Science. Skilled in data analytics, ML and visualisation. Dedicated to turning data into actionable solutions that support business goals and decision-making.
Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Experienced Data Scientist with a background in Computer Systems Engineering and a seasoned educator as a former Senior Lecturer in Computer Science. Skilled in data analytics, ML and visualisation. Dedicated to turning data into actionable solutions that support business goals and decision-making.
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