A Milestone Validation Visit Reinforcing Academic Excellence and International Partnership

Arab Open University – Lebanon | January 2026

The Arab Open University – Lebanon marked a significant academic milestone with the successful validation visit conducted on 12–14 January 2026, culminating in the accreditation of two new Bachelor of Science programmes: BSc (Hons) E-Sports and BSc (Hons) Games Development. This achievement represents a major step forward in the University's strategic expansion into emerging digital and creative disciplines aligned with global labour-market trends.

The visit was conducted under the framework of the long-standing strategic partnership between the Arab Open University and The Open University – United Kingdom (OU-UK), a collaboration that has served as a cornerstone of AOU's academic credibility and quality assurance since 2002 and was most recently renewed through 2029.

A High-Level Validation Panel

The validation panel brought together a distinguished delegation of academic experts from The Open University and leading UK universities, reflecting the depth and rigor of the evaluation process. The panel was chaired by senior academics with expertise spanning computing, game design, user experience, e-sports, and quality assurance, ensuring a comprehensive and discipline-specific review of both programmes: 

• Mr Oli Howson (Chair) – Senior Lecturer in Computing and Communications, The Open University
• Mr Jim Thompson (Process Panel Member) – Principal Lecturer in Games Design, University of Central Lancashire
• Dr Panagiotis Fotaris – Principal Lecturer in Game Design and User Experience, University of Brighton
• Mr Mark L'Estrange – Senior Lecturer, Esports & Livestreaming, Falmouth University
• Mr Dimitris Kontodimopoulos – Senior Quality and Partnerships Manager, the Open University
• Ms Catherine Bland – Head of Partnership Operations, The Open University
  

The visit also included senior representatives from the Arab Open University Headquarters Prof. Naif Al Mutairi, Prof. Mohamad Sayed, Dr. Omayma Karrar, Dr. Ahmad Gawish, Dr. Khawla Al Hasam, Dr. Nesrin Atiallah, Dr. Nermeen Abdelhalim, Dr,. Rafeek Yanni, who met with the Academics of the Lebanon Branch, Course Chairs, and academic leadership teams. Their collective engagement underscored the institutional commitment to academic integrity, transparency, and continuous enhancement.​

Administrative Audit and Institutional Enhancement

Ms Catherine Bland, Head of Partnership Operations at The Open University, conducted an administrative audit visit to the Badaro and Antelias centers. The audit reviewed operational readiness, student support systems, facilities, and quality assurance processes.

Ms Bland expressed strong satisfaction with the significant enhancements implemented at the Lebanon Branch, commending the University's efforts to strengthen institutional systems, academic governance, and quality assurance practices, particularly notable given the national challenges faced since the last OU visit in 2019.

Rigorous Evaluation and Constructive Academic Dialogue

Over the course of the three-day visit, the panel conducted an in-depth review of programme design, curriculum coherence, learning outcomes, assessment strategies, staffing profiles, learning resources, and quality assurance mechanisms.

Particular attention was given to alignment with the UK Quality Code, the robustness of academic governance, and the capacity of the Faculty of Computer Studies to deliver practice-based programmes to internationally benchmarked standards.

The evaluation process was characterized by constructive academic dialogue, reflective practice, and evidence-based discussion, reaffirming the maturity of AOU Lebanon's academic culture and its readiness to deliver innovative programmes within a rigorous quality framework.

Faculty of Computer Studies: Leadership, Innovation, and Readiness

The Faculty of Computer Studies with its team Dr. Mohammed El Hajj, Dr. Ahmad Mikati, Mr. Marwan Bejjani, Mrs. Grace Chidiac, Mrs. Zeina Ghoson,​ played a central role throughout the visit. During joint meetings with AOU Headquarters and OU representatives, the faculty presented a comprehensive overview of its progress and achievements throughout 2025, highlighting continuous curriculum modernization, the integration of emerging technologies into teaching and learning, and the strengthening of academic delivery models.

The faculty also showcased its expanding industry engagement, including strategic partnerships and Memoranda of Understanding designed to enhance student employability, practical training opportunities, and real-world exposure. Research activities and institutional achievements were highlighted through initiatives led by the CARIIS Research Center, reflecting the faculty's growing contribution to applied research and knowledge production.

Successful Accreditation

Following a rigorous evaluation process, the BSc (Hons) E-Sports and BSc (Hons) Games Development programmes were successfully approved for validation, pending formal confirmation. This achievement stands as a testament to collective effort, academic rigor, and a shared commitment to excellence between AOU Lebanon, AOU Headquarters, and The Open University.

The successful outcome of this visit expands AOU Lebanon's academic portfolio and reinforces its position as a resilient, forward-looking institution capable of delivering internationally recognized, future-oriented programmes despite complex regional challenges.

Above all, this milestone reaffirms the enduring strength of the AOU–OU partnership, the professionalism of the Faculty of Computer Studies, and the Arab Open University's unwavering commitment to advancing quality education, innovation, and sustainable development in the Arab world.

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