THE first ever locally delivered Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree programme will be offered by Nations University, in New Market Street, Georgetown, from this month end.
Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, Director of the University, Dr. Brian O’Toole and Marketing Director of the Australian Institute of Business, Mr. Joel Abrahim expressed optimism over the prospects for the course, which falls under the auspices of the Institute and is accredited by the internationally recognised Australian Qualification Network (AQF).
The imminent introduction of the 12-month MBA in Guyana is rather timely, said Abraham, noting that, as of last July 1, the Gibaran Learning Group and its member institutes, Gibaran Graduate School of Management, Australian Institute of Business Administration, Tourism Institute of Australia and Entrepreneurship Institute Australia consolidated into one single institution – the Australian Institute of Business, through which Nations University will be working. The last is the body awarding the degree.    
Abraham asserted, “This consolidation represents an important step for AIB, as we continue to take our distinctive courses all over the globe.”
He is of the view that it will help drive consistent messaging and communication, bring together their alumni and stakeholder groups and make brand recognition and identification clearer on a global basis. 
Abraham explained that the 12-month MBA is a fast-tracked programme that is quality assured under the AQF and is deemed to have the same standing as similar qualifications issued by an Australian University.
He said it has the features of being affordable, flexible, achievable, accelerated and relevant and entails practical, work-based learning, delivered via an innovative one-subject per month structure, but could also be spread over a three-year period, depending on the student.
Equal stages
It is divided into three equal stages, those being graduate certificate, graduate diploma and MBA, each stage consisting of four subjects delivered over four months.
Depending on subjects chosen, students will be able to complete all 12 within 12 months but may take up to an additional three months to complete the final project, Abraham said. 
An added advantage is that, because it is offered locally, it, immediately, cuts across the brain drain syndrome. Students would not be required to travel overseas for tuition, neither would they have to forego their jobs full time, because all classes will be done at Nations University and conducted at weekends.     
Tuition cost or the entire package is in the vicinity of US$5,500 and is payable according to a specific payment plan.
Meanwhile, in preparation for the commencement, the administration of Nations University declared open a spanking new $75M edifice at 41 and 42 New Market Street, Cummingsburg. 
The three-flat will house a canteen on the ground floor and classrooms and offices on the two upper floors.