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The Faculty of Law has organized a guest lecture for the students of level 100, undertaking the courses titled ‘Introduction to Sociology and Critical Thinking Skills’. This is in line with the aim of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) to provide the best quality education for its students. In his welcome address, Dr Olumide Abraham Ajayi the facilitator of the courses, said he is beyond elated to have invited the guest speaker to speak on trends in the Discipline of Law as the students kick-start their careers. He added that the opportunity is to unveil the realities in their chosen career such that, they can be able to prepare adequately before graduation. Speaking virtually during the lecture, the guest speaker Seyi Orowosebe Esq., a principal partner at De Lex Consult Abuja, said this invite is timely as the world is swiftly transformed by technology by the day. He said it is quite imperative for students to engage in debates, presentations and group activities while in school to boost their capabilities. He emphasized that the students need to be involved in seminars and competitions, to understand newer trends and fresh perspectives in the law discipline. It is a way to showcase your talent and to utilize the opportunities available for you in school, he said. Seyi Esq. said that students need to go with the trend of social media by utilizing it as a business tool to find clients, build a network and sustain relationships that can be helpful for future engagements. It is a way to start a career early and is most relevant for employers. He also suggested that students should always opt for that internships during vacations to gain practical experience with practitioners in the field. There are numerous Civil Based Organizations (CBOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other Non-governmental organizations that offer internship opportunities for starters.  Delivering the vote of thanks, Surayya Abubakar, a level 100 student from the Department of Law, said the students are thankful for the opportunity given to them by the university. They now understand the relevance of building online portfolios and beneficial relationships. Another student, Halima Wachiko, a level 100 student studying Law, said the session was quite interesting and highly enlightening. We hope to be making good use of the lecture that was delivered, she said.  

The DEANs of faculties, the Director of Academic Support Service (DASS), and the Student Service Department (SSD) recently organized a professional Skill Development Programme (PSDP) Spring Semester 2023, for students at Skyline University Nigeria (SUN). The Programme is in line with current rapid development and demand for efficient skills at workplaces around the world. The PSDP delivered highly distinctive courses, developed to equip students with the right information and skills to fit into the world of work after graduation. The participants are from levels 1, 2 and 4. Some important issues highlighted by the different sessions include building and maintaining a network, searching for jobs, curriculum vitae writing, basic life etiquette, communication skills, and self-assessment using Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT Analysis). According to Ms Sarada Maganti, the Director of Academic Support Service (DASS), the Programme is educative, informative and interestingly interactive to engage students as they set their future goals. PSDP helps students by giving them insights and practical cases outside classroom experiences. Some students who participated in the Programme stated that the session is a rare opportunity to discover the real challenges of future workplaces and how to confront them. In the words of Hafsat Dahiru, a level 200 student from the Department of International Relations, the Programme is highly educative and interactive. Another student from the Department of Mass Communication level 200, Muhsin Muhammad explained that he has been able to discover how to build relationships and networks that can be beneficial to his vision of becoming a professional motion designer. Also, Amina Mukhtar, a final-year student from the Department of Mass Communication stated that the sessions are vital in defining goals, career exploration, and goal setting as she prepares to delve into workplace life after graduation. Faculty members that facilitated the session cut across all the faculties at SUN – Dr A. Senthil Kumar, Dr Ajayi Olumide, Dr Saminu Umar and Dr Vijay Arputha among others.    

The Department of International Relations at Skyline University Nigeria has launched the Skyline University International Model of United Nations (SUIMUN) for students within the discipline and others studying social science courses. This is in a bid to train the students on the demands of their career path and how they can excel after graduation. In the opening remarks, Prof. Ajith Kumar V.V, the Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria expressed his happiness that the model has come to life and it is a result of so much calculated efforts and careful planning. He said the initiative is a great opportunity for students to develop their skills in presentation, critical thinking and public speaking. He added that students should be proud of the moment as one they would cherish throughout their entire lives. While congratulating the Head of the Department of International Relations Mr.Farid Illo, the Vice-Chancellor said the university is proud to attain yet another milestone with his careful coordination and dedication. I know, it was not an easy task for you, Mr Farid, he said. In his virtual speech, Mr Ronald Kayanja, the Director of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Nigeria started by congratulating SUN for this achievement. He said the work of the United Nations (UN) cuts across our daily activities – economics, agriculture, health, peace and security among others. He urged students to cull from the four reasons why the UN was formed which include global peace and security and enabling harmonious relations among nations. The UN will be happy to support the initiative in the best possible way and he hopes SUIMUN can make important contributions in global discourses, he said. In a similar remark Dr Seyi Soremekun, the National Information Officer of UNIC said, the United Nations is a gigantic pillar in the development of nations as it actively supports countries to attain globally set targets – the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He states that SUIMUN is a great way for students to have a first-hand experience outside class lessons. The HOD on his part said he is beyond elated that the university supported the initiative fully until its realization. He then challenged the students to unveil and upgrade their speaking skills as SUIMUN entails debates, negotiations and decision-making. He hopes the initiative will have an impact that would be felt globally. The Dean of the School of Arts, Management and Social Science (SAMSS) Dr Sudha Mavuri and Director of Academic Support Services (DASS) Sarada Maganti, who were all present at the event advised the students to maximally utilize the opportunity presented to them.      

As part of their course requirements, students from the Department of Physiotherapy conducted a session for security personnel on the effects of Hypertension/High Blood Pressure. The seminar focused on educating the security personnel on the risks of contracting the disease and how they can be minimized. During her presentation, Aisha Kabir Shehu, a level 200 student from the Department of Physiotherapy highlighted exercise, lack of sleep, pregnancy in women, menopause stage in women and obesity as some of the major causes of High Blood Pressure that are recorded today.   She added that Age and Gender are also determinants of hypertension. As individual ages, he or she is more prone to the risks of increased blood pressure which is a natural sign of growth, she said. On the part of gender, she highlighted that women are more vulnerable to the risks of contracting the disease as they tend to deal with a lot of emotional challenges as homemakers. Other less worrisome causes of high blood pressure include excitement, anxiety and exercise. She said these conditions are normal psychological activities in the human body that increases the work of the brain and heart thereby increasing the heart rate and blood pressure. On his part, Auwal Sadiq Abdullahi, who is also from the same department level 200 said, he learnt a lot about leadership and organization. He expressed his satisfaction as the security personnel were attentive throughout the session and asked many questions regarding the topic discussed. One of the participants Ciroma Gana said that he thoroughly enjoyed the session. He’s more conscious of his health now and has the right information to minimize the risks of contracting HBP. The blood pressure of the security staff were measured at the end of the session.

The Department of Mass Communication of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN), held a guest lecture on the importance of educational broadcasting Programmes for level 400 students. The lecture is part of the innovative methods of teaching incorporated by the university to expose students to career-related challenges and opportunities and learn from the experiences of professionals. The course facilitator Dr Haruna Isma’il stated that resource persons always have a first-hand experience with industry-related opportunities and challenges. Such individuals are very vital in motivating students to prepare adequately for future demands. While delivering his lecture, Mr Balarable Danlami said educational Programmes are significant in bridging the increasing knowledge gap that currently exists. He explained that educational Programmes are supported and sponsored by organizations like World Bank, UNICEF, KALMA and State Governments among other stakeholders to facilitate easy learning at basic levels.   Mr Danlami said it is advisable for students pursuing a career in broadcast journalism to prioritize educational broadcasting to speed up the development process in the country. He noted that educational Programmes have a huge career prospect in reference to the development of the tech industry. Some of the key priorities of educational broadcasting he pointed out include duration, sponsors, choice of language, speed of communication and expertise. They serve as the building blocks of effective message delivery, he added. One of the students who attended the lecture, Khadija Isa Gerawa, said she learnt a lot from the experiences shared by Mr Balarabe. She now understands some of the challenges and impact of educational radio Programmes on the development of communities. In his words, Kamal Danladi, also a student of level 400 said it is indeed a rare opportunity for them to be educated by a professional. He hopes to benefit from such lectures in the future.

The management of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) received the second batch of the National Universities Commission (NUC) team for its ongoing resource verification for post-graduate Programmes. This is in line with the institution’s plan to expand in providing quality education services.  Prof Ajith Kumar V.V., the Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria said that commencing post-graduate Programmes is indeed a great milestone every university wishes to attain during its lifetime. He applauded the NUC team for supporting SUN in its journey to realizing its vision.  On his part, Prof Sule Magaji, a professor of Economics from the University of Abuja and the team lead of the resource verification, thanked SUN for its hospitality and kind gestures. He then congratulated the Vice-chancellor for taking the university to greater heights, especially in the aspect of bridging the existing digital divide as the world develops rapidly.  The NUC team toured the university campus while verifying the available resources like lecture halls, conference rooms, laboratories, the library, and e-resources among other facilities. The team assessed the resources available for Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (P.hD.) courses in Economics, Forensic Accounting, Microbiology, Entrepreneurship, etc. 

His Excellency, Mr Mas’udur Rahaman, the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, visited Skyline University Nigeria campus in Kano to deliver a lecture at a symposium organized by the International Relation of the university today. Delivering the welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria, Prof. Ajith Kuma, V.V. said the university is honoured to learn from the expertise of a high-level diplomat like Mr Masudur Rahaman. He added that not all the time do students get access to such rare privileges of meeting with influential people within their chosen career paths. On his part, H.E. Masudur stated that he is intensely fascinated by the services provided by the prestigious institution. Having served as a diplomat in Sharjah, UAE, he recounts that SUN has been doing a wonderful job in providing good quality higher education. His lecture titled ‘Challenges and Opportunities in Multi-Polar World: Experiences of Developing Countries’ delved deeply into global geopolitics in today’s rapidly changing technology-driven world. He admitted that technology is opening up more opportunities for developed and developing countries to manipulate technology for their benefit, explaining that technology is no more within the confinement or copyright of the world’s strongest nations like the USA and Canada today. He added that current global trends are multidisciplinary so there is an increasing demand for multifaceted approaches to solving challenges, which indicates a curriculum revamp in the Higher Education sphere. With so much experience from Bahrain, Russia, UAE and China among others, he stated that Nigeria’s diversity is the strength that would support its trajectory to more prosperity.   Mr. Farid Illo the Head of the Department of International Relations at SUN said the symposium was carefully curated to expose the students to recent developments that are necessary for their career development. In the words of Hafsa Dahiru, one of the participants, I learnt alot about global political economy and how Nigeria can adopt ways for development similar to Bangladesh’.  The Vice-chancellor finally expressed his profound gratitude to the embassy of Bangladesh in Nigeria for accepting the invitation to visit Skyline University Nigeria. He thanked the High Commissioner for his availability to share his thoughts with the students of SUN on contemporary global issues.

Not all learning processes facilitate the exchange of information between a learner and a tutor. The importance of the interaction between both of them is that it eases every process of imparting knowledge, especially in schools and most importantly in higher education institutions. In adverse cases, the overall essence of knowledge sharing and learning is often defeated when it is devoid of this interchange. This is why projects are highly prioritized in higher education teaching and learning.   Learning is forever an endless circle. New things and ideas continuously emerge as the world progresses by the day. By building on existing knowledge, new ideas create ways by which others can evolve to support the loop. Whether old or new, projects play an important role in scholarship – it unveils the skills of students.   One important thing that project-based learning does is that it allows students to discover new knowledge and alternative ways of solving their academic and future challenges – critical thinking. Without carrying out these projects, students might be unable to explore new ways of carrying out activities or problems associated with their career choices and how they can swiftly navigate them.  Project-based learning provides additional skills for students such as leadership, collaboration and networking. Through group projects, leadership skills can be inculcated whenever students are tasked with the responsibility of coordinating with their peers to produce the best quality resources. This particular task has supported the career of many people in Nigeria and beyond, by excelling in leadership thereby paving the way for development.  When given individual tasks, students take charge of their affairs and are always keen to accomplish their tasks. Again, public speaking skills and deficiencies are usually uncovered when students are given individual tasks, projects or presentations. In contrast, students that are not confident tend to lose focus and are vulnerable to anxiety and its effects. Others who are confident readily grab such opportunities to display their skills and talent and excel with relative ease.  The needed effective participation of students is gotten from a project-based approach to learning. Some students are timid whenever they are engaged in class projects. This set of students is comfortable with average or low performances. So when projects are given to students, they tend to bring this set of laggards on board. It significantly increases student engagement and improves their understanding. Ultimately, it develops the curiosity of students to yearn for more ideas. For higher education lecturers, project-based learning offers an amazing opportunity for feedback. The result of the interaction that happens during and after projects is very helpful for improving teaching and learning methods. This learning process can be efficient in enabling a seamless higher education experience for youths.

Often, acquiring a college degree or any other related certification isn’t just enough to land you your dream job. More recently, it is becoming increasingly difficult for graduates and students to lay their hands on highly competitive opportunities. For youths aspiring to pursue careers, these persistent realities are major setbacks; for creative others, they see limitless opportunities. Internships offer prospects for graduates and students to advance their careers by exploring a variety of technicalities within workspaces. Hence, engaging with professionals effectively supports their career choices and experiences and is necessary for personal and professional growth. It enables them to apply the knowledge gained in classrooms practically. Here, they get to experiment with their strengths, weaknesses and areas they need to improve. There have been massive layoffs by many reputable companies globally as the swift development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to transform public engagements, especially in job delivery. Regrettably, more of these layoffs are on the way. But with internships, students and graduates can explore other viable areas they can harness and develop their skills along those paths. Without gaining this experience, it will be challenging to function effectively in a work environment or get a job.   Worldwide, soft skills such as leadership, organization, time management, teamwork and problem-solving are desperately needed by employers, organizations or companies, to meet current product and service delivery demands. They easily help in securing a job when coupled with classroom knowledge. Acquiring these experiences places you rightly ahead of your colleagues in terms of job seeking and class performance. Internships are very vital in career development because of their countless benefits. There is a wide array of internship opportunities in different disciplines such as Health Sciences, Management, Law, and Communication among others. Interns get to learn basic ethics needed in any workplace that is not just within the bounds of their discipline. Ethics are essential to building trust within your career path and potentially qualify you for more similar and attractive opportunities.  Interns stand to test their knowledge, connect with a network of professionals, get introduced to workspace dynamics, determine areas of interest and ultimately encourage you to carve an appropriate niche. These are just the tip of the iceberg. The intention behind an internship experience is to develop your career as a student so that you would define your suitability and readiness for a similar position after graduation. For graduates, it equips them with the right skills to search for the right job and effortlessly discover it.

Students of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) have participated and won 1st and 2nd Runner-Up positions in the pitching competition organized by TiE University MENA Regional Pitch Competition 2023 running in its fifth year in the Middle East. All the regional finalists of the competition made their way through over 150 applications and over 30 jury members for the regional face-off. The competition was open to both graduate and undergraduate university students of the respective regions. Representing 16 different universities, 26 teams have ideas spread across 13 industries and competed in three different categories to have three regional winners -Emirati, MEA and GCC/UAE. After a rigorous selection of the best ideas from over 150 applications from across the regions, 8 teams made it to the shortlist categories for the regional-level competition final round. Out of the 8 shortlisted teams, 4 teams were from Skyline University Nigeria, 2 from Lagos State University, 1 from the University of Ibadan and 1from the Federal University of Technology. The pitch – UniversityX from Lagos State University emerged victorious and won first prize and is eligible to participate in the TiE Global finals. The Plastic Company – Recymade team emerged as the first runner-up while Care-Home Plus emerged as the second runner-up, both teams are from Skyline University Nigeria. All three finalists will fly to pitch for the global finals in May 2023 at Silicon Valley, in the USA. This year’s Programme for the first time ran an emerging entrepreneur category with a regional championship for the region of Middle East and African student entrepreneurs. Thus, SUN students were opportune to participate. The Tie Programme offers rare opportunities for future-generation entrepreneurs as students to bring forth their entrepreneurship ideas to global discourse. It is an exciting platform that allows students to present feasible ideas for business ventures. It actively supports youth development and innovation through this initiative. The President Emeritus of TiE Dubai Mr P K Gulati and Pro-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria, Mr Nitin Anand said the idea of including universities in other countries apart from UAE to participate in the competition was a huge success. They are thrilled about the engagement of teams from Nigeria, Kenya and a few other African countries. The winner and all other participants were encouraged to continue exuding the courage and confidence they showed throughout the Programme for their future endeavours.