London, 2nd September — Oxford Business College (OBC) successfully launched its 2nd National Conference in London at Heathrow Marriott, gathering over 150 members of the college staff and academic guests from across the UK for a dynamic two-day event centred on the theme ‘Empowering the Future.’ The conference highlights OBC’s dedication to shaping the next generation of leaders and emphasises its commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility.

The event opened with a warm welcome from Mr. Salman Haq, Head of Marketing, who introduced the theme and set the tone for the proceedings. Dr. Padmesh Gupta, Managing Director of OBC, celebrated the College’s 40th year of dedicated service, reflecting on its rich history since its founding in 1985 and its continuous growth.

A key highlight of the inaugural session was the announcement by Prof. Sarwar Khawaja, Chairman of the Strategic Board, that a significant portion of the profits, around 60%, will be allocated to support philanthropic initiatives and welfare efforts, particularly focusing on early medical diagnostics research and related practical measures. This move underscores the College’s commitment to community welfare, aligning with Prof. Khawaja’s belief that “OBC is a lifestyle.” The session, chaired by Prof. Nick Petford, Chair of the Board of Governors, included a strategic overview presented by Prof. Fawad Inam, Executive Principal, who outlined OBC’s vision for continued excellence in business education.

The conference also featured a special presentation by Mr. Ronel Lehmann, founder of Finito, who discussed the critical role of supporting graduates in securing employment, further emphasising the importance of preparing students for life beyond college.

The conference featured several academic sessions focusing on key aspects of OBC’s mission:
Regulation and Academic Standards: Led by Prof. Emmanuel Idowu and Stuart Coussins (Head of Compliance at OBC), this session emphasised the importance of UK regulatory bodies and OBC’s aspirations for greater academic autonomy as it approaches its 40th anniversary.
High-Quality Course Design and Delivery: Dr. Samuel Asante-Nnuro (Dean of the London campus) and Mr. Tim Mitchell (Head of HR at OBC) highlighted OBC’s approach to maintaining excellence through rigorous course design, delivery, and staffing, ensuring top-tier education for its students.
Student Support and Success: OBC’s commitment to student welfare was showcased by Mr. Asim Riaz (Chief Operating Officer of OBC), Mr. Noaman Islam (Head of Student Services at OBC), and Mr. Hamim Kariburyo, (Head of Exams and Assessment at OBC) focusing on resources, mental health, and comprehensive support services to enhance student outcomes.
Student Engagement and Empowerment: The importance of student voice and cultural diversity was underscored by Ms. Diana Munoz, Student Events and Engagement Coordinator at OBC and Sandra Naktiniene, National President of the OBC Student Council, ensuring inclusivity and engagement for all students.

This event marks a significant milestone in OBC’s ongoing mission to empower future leaders through education, community involvement, and a relentless commitment to academic excellence.