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 The year 2020 is indeed a historical moment for Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) as the university in its 2nd year only celebrates the official launching of the virtual release of the maiden issue of International Journal of Business Review and Entrepreneurship (IJBRE) on Monday, 10th August 2020. The IJBRE journal will serve as a platform for the university to pride herself to explore new vistas of knowledge and add value to the existing body of knowledge. This forum enables researchers to actively participate in analyzing, evaluating and solving the problems of the society through their contributions. While speaking during the official launch of the business journal, the Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria, Professor Sudhakar Kota, posited that academics and non-academics professionals will be able to publish their scholarly works and case studies that would enrich the body of knowledge in the field of Business, Entrepreneurship and other functional areas of the management and social sciences. In his words, “The Journal creates a research environment and provides opportunities for research scholars, academicians and industry experts to publish their research works or case studies that may provide a feasible solution through their models or findings from research works”. The Founder Chairman of Skyline University Nigeria and Chairman of SIGL Group, Mr. Kamal Puri as well as the university’s Vice-Chancellor, has commended Dr. Senthil Kumar, the Head of Research Committee and Managing Editor of the IJBRE and his team for their unstinted efforts in playing a key role in creating this journal. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kumar informed the audience about the plans of increasing the acceptance and the credibility of the Journal in the International Academic Forums by enlisting in minimum Five International Indexing organizations (such as GIF, ISI, Copernicus, Directory of Quality Factor & Open Access Journal, Cite factor, Cosmos, EBSCO). This will facilitate IJBRE’s Journal abstracts listing and increase the citation ratings in Google Scholar and Research Gate. “We wish the Journal to raise the quality of research ladder in the region and the global academic platform, he added. The inaugural session was attended by the university’s Board of Trustees (BOT) Members the Pro-Chancellor, Mr. Nitin Anand, GC members, Vice-Chancellors, Professors, Academicians and Industry Experts.

Skyline University Nigeria has hosted key officers of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Kano Area Office, on Tuesday, July 28th, 2020. The visit, which was the first of its kind since the establishment of the university was organized to foster collaboration on the ITF mandate, particularly the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) for mutual benefits of both parties. The visiting team from the ITF includes the Area Manager, Mal. Quasim Abubakar, the Head of Training, Mr. Dauda Lawal and the Head of Admin, Alkasim Ahmed. While delivering the opening remark, the Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria, Professor Sudhakar Kota expressed hope that the meeting will mark a turning point in the history of industrial attachments opportunities for the students of the university. “I believe this is a very important aspect of training for our graduating students to improve and enhance their knowledge and skill set, boosts the performance of students and help them to meet career objectives, as well as update and master their skills. The VC Stated. As a first time visitor, the Area Manager of the ITF Kano State chapter Mal. Quasim Abubakar posited that the expected relationship should cover the areas of Industrial Attachments, SIWES etc. as part of the mandate of the ITF to promote skills of students. In his words, the Programmeme provides hands-on work experience from day one, providing students with the opportunity to work directly with inspiring and experienced professionals. The insights and skills gained by the end of the Programmeme would be invaluable for future careers”. He added that every aspect of students’ orientation of the industrial attachments Programmeme will commenced with the approval & guidelines of the National Universities Commission (NUC), followed by application, students’ placement forms and an introductory letter from the university to the ITF. “We will be coming to give orientation to the students at the point of their departure for the SIWES Programmeme”, he assured. The Head of Corporate Affairs Department of Skyline University Nigeria, Engr. Bashir Garba appreciated the assurance by the Area Manager. He added that the Industrial Training Programmeme is designed for students to: Put theories and concepts into practice, Build work related skills required for the business environment through constructive feedback and supervision, Improve their general business/industry understanding, Gain additional skills in areas such as communication, team building, problem solving and analytical reasoning, Build valuable networks and contacts for professional development and finally gain insights into career options to support choice of specialized field area.

An expert from the Department of Petroleum Resources, Engr. Sarki Auwalu, MNSE has posited that “If we (the youth) all work together and can change the current mindset of short term gains and long term suffering, the Energy Sector would reach its fullest potential most efficiently”. He made this assertion on 28th July, 2020 at the recently held 3rd CEO Lecture & 2nd Online CEO Lecture Series Programmeme organized by the management of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN), where he was a Guest Speaker on the topic, ‘Energy in a Global Context-The Pivotal Role of the Young Generation in Driving Value and Sustainability’. While making his presentation, Engr. Sarki Auwalu who is the Director/CEO, of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR)-Lagos-Nigeria, described the youth as game-changers to the future of innovation. He stated that the youth are agents for social change, economic growth, environmental protection and technological innovation, through their increased involvement in the growth and development process of the country. According to Engr. Sarki, one of the fundamental areas of the Department of Petroleum Resources, is the continuous search for new talents, thoughts and ideas that will help drive innovation. He advised the students of SUN to prepare themselves while in school to be readily available with ideas that will change the narratives, maintain and uphold the ethics of what the DPR stands for. Earlier in his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria, Professor Sudhakar Kota appreciated the Guest Speaker for making out time to come amidst his busy work schedule. He also thanked the members of faculty, staff, students and guest for their contribution to the reality of the day’s event. “As game-changers, the youth can appropriately make valuable contributions to the development of the country at large” the VC added. The 3rd CEO guest lecture series featured over 211 participants, including the Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University College (SUC), Professor Mohammed Inairat, the Dean School of Management of Centurion University of technology and management CUTM) Malaysia, Associate Professor, Umakanta Nayak, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Universiti Tecknologi Petronas (UTP) Malaysia, Professor I.R Dr. Hilmi B. Min Mukhtar, the Vice- Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti Prof. Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde.

The year 2020 has been one of the most engaging years in online presence for Skyline University Nigeria (SUN). From designing courses with opportunities for students and faculty to engage meaningfully with materials and each other to conduct seminars, training, webinars and other online activities that have helped maintain students’ motivation amidst the lockdown, the university is committed to ensuring there are clear purposes and outcomes for any student-to-student interaction to meet course outcomes. It is noteworthy that Skyline University Nigeria had in the last 4 months since the lockdown improved on her Information Technology exposures with students of the university. The private institution of higher learning which made her debut in the National Universities Commission (NUC’s) listings in 2018, had since taken a giant step to overcome the slow pace at which students develops IT skills through online engagement. Some of these online activities recorded to have increased the overall exposure of students in IT skills include virtual learning – perceive by management as a key factor in predicting online course successes; Online seminars for entrepreneurship, industry update, sports, training etc; Online webinar amongst foreign institutions; Online competitions; MoU signing with local and foreign institutions of higher learning; Online International conferences, etc. Recent activities in the university, as well as feedbacks, showed that Skyline University Nigeria improved in her online activities. Skyline University Nigeria has also been beautifully praised in helping students to build accountability for the work they do in any discussions or collaborations. Assigning points for discussion posts reflecting in students’ reports with detail of their contributions and what they learned from the conversation, the university has provided students with options to post a summary of their work. The virtual learning environment may be new to some students of Skyline University Nigeria, but the university has with all certainty, established clear guidance to students by providing them with a clear purpose for collaborative online activities which in turn has helped keep group discussion and behaviour professional.

Skyline University Nigeria’s Library has organized its second live webinar on Friday 10th July 2020. The webinar with the theme, ‘Journal Selection Considerations: Complexities and Solutions for Researchers’ was aimed at developing the concept, rationale, and purposes of an academic journal; How to identify aims, scope, relevance and recognition of an academic journal and why there is a need to understand all these before submission; To highlight the ten indicators required to identify predatory/fake journals; Understand the parameters to assess the quality of a journal; the submission checklist – managing time, anxiety, and reputation during the submission process as well as identifying targeted journals by early and mid-career researchers – personal reflexivity. The guest speaker, Prof. Muhammad Kashif of GIFT University, Pakistan, While making his presentation at the live webinar, stated that An academic journal is an outlet/platform to publish latest, cutting-edge research in a particular field i.e. medicine, education, and business management as examples. “A distinguishing characteristic of an academic journal is the “scientific filter” while publishing research”. He emphasized. Some of the highlights made by Prof. Muhammad were that a well-recognized journal is listed in prestigious databases such as Emerald and is indexed by services such as SCOPUS, WOS and the likes; Regular Readership of publishing over decades has a readership that spans across multiple segments i.e. academic researchers and managers; Author encouragement is done through various Programmes i.e. author awards and information/coaching webinars; Intellectually stimulating allows editors to raise important questions to improve social living. Earlier while delivering the opening remark, the Registrar of Skyline University Nigeria, Mr. Firoj Kumar Rauta, acting on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor appreciated the participants for their excellent reception towards the second live webinar series. He urged the participants to pay keen interest as the event unfolds. The webinar featured over 196 participants including the Yusuf Maitama Sule University’s Librarian, Kano, Dr. Binta Farouk Ladan, Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa, Librarian, Dr. Abdulkadir A. Idris, Nigerian Defense Academy Librarian, Kaduna, Dr. Lawal Umar, Chairman of Nigerian Library Association, Kano State Chapter, Mr. Danladi Bala, Al-Qalam University Librarian, Dr. A.A Maidabino, Librarian of University of Africa Toru Oruo Bayelsa State, Dr. Okiy B. Rose etc. The Webinar Convener and Head Librarian of Skyline University Nigeria, Mr. Kabiru Danladi Garba CLN, who delivered the closing remark, extended his heartfelt gratitude to all the participants present for their valuable time and commitment towards the success of the webinar. “We urged you to keep in touch with Skyline University Nigeria as we deliver the third webinar series shortly” he stated.

The Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN), Professor Sudhakar Kota, during the recently held ‘First digital International Research Conference’, jointly organized by Magezi and Enosi and certified by the National Organization for the Certification of Qualifications and Vocational Guidance: Europe, has emphasized education, innovation and survival to be part of the teaching curriculum development for the benefits of the society in post-Covid 19. The conference with the theme, ‘Educate, Innovate, Survive: the powerful role of multidisciplinary research in rising above the pandemic’ was held online between June 28 – 29, 2020, and featured Dr. Debdulal Dutta Roy, the Co-panellist and Founder of Robindrik Psychotherapy Research Institute Trust, Dr. Ramon George O. Atento, the Academic Director of Toyota Motor Phillippines School of Technology, Mr. Symeon Nikolidakis, the Academic Director of Enosi Educational Institute in Athens, Ms. Felicie, the managing Director of Magezi and distinguished personalities from the academia, the business world and international organisations as speakers and panellists. While making his presentation as the guest speaker of the event, Professor Kota stated that the current global scenario arising as a result of Covid-19, has brought a disruption not only on the industry and social life but, the dependency on the digital world has increased multifold as compared to any time before. “The digital technology in those days was not to this extent but has emerged as a strong supporter of education and has made its presence felt in the current scenario while facilitating teachers and learners in multiple ways”, he stated. Some of the highlights made by the Vice-Chancellor at the international conference were that, We can use these technologies to give more importance to the human intelligence than ever before by optimizing talent and creating a creative contribution to increasing productivity and growth of organizations; The students of today should be taught to have a change in their global mindset. And we need to create the core skills especially with respect to the field of science, technology, engineering and maths as necessary courses; A change of mindset of critical thinking and problem solving will be essential to the coming generations rather than reproducing the knowledge which has been acquired over a period of time; The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning should have to be immediate in the current context of the syllabus; The importance of continuous training and development will never be out of place in the coming days as industries will require a continuous update of their employers to learning new things and to unlearn what they have learned in order to sustain and grow in the economy. Other notable presenters at the International Conference were Mr. Harvey Keh, the Lead Convener of Kaya Natin P.H and Programmeme Manager of Jesse M. Robredo Foundation, Mr. Rizalino Giovanni Juliano, office of the Vice-President of the Philippines, Dr. Antonio Ligsay of St. Luke’s Medical Center-College of Medicine, Hon. Grace Padaca, a Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, Professor Khaled Sohel Mohammad, a Blockchani and Information Management Systems Expert, amongst others.

Mr. Musa Mohammed, the Head of Sports of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) has encouraged students of the university to embrace a lifestyle of regular exercises at home. Stating that taking up exercises helps to build a strong defence against anxiety and stress. “Stress can be exhausting! Long term stress can lead to lack of concentration, an inability to make decisions, declining performance, motivation and ultimately can lead to illness and sickness. Within teams, it can contribute to conflict and disharmony. Exercise is proven to have benefits for the mind that can lower stress, reduce feelings of isolation and help ease anxiety and depression”, he stated. This important advice was delivered on Friday, July 3rd, 2020, at the Sports online training organized to help students understand stress and anxiety; how it can become a negative force. The training is a no-nonsense approach to taking back control from stress and anxiety as well as provide a wealth of tips and tactics to help reduce stress, manage pressure and improve wellbeing at home. While speaking on the theme of the event, ‘Sun exercise and practice for anxiety and stress relieve at home’, Mr. Musa urged students to take with them a simple but powerful strategy to tackle stress overload both in the moment and overtimes. Along with this strategy, he administered a range of tools to help participants reduce personal stress levels, improve their ability to relax and recharge their energy levels. Mr. Musa outlined the strategies thus; “Team sports may be off the agenda, given the nature of the isolation in the country, but you can certainly exercise on your own at home. Moderate movement for 30 minutes per day is good for your health. When you’ve established that as a daily routine, then your day will be better structured as well. You can walk up and down the stairs in your home or you could jog in place inside, or do some shadow boxing, or jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups etc.”,  the Head of Sports added. He added that exercise is proven to have many benefits for the mind, reduce the feelings of isolation and help ease anxiety and depression. “During this lockdown, the new rules of life can pull our mental health into a damaging spiral. By staying at home, our anxiety and stress level can be heightened by worries over anything and everything – jobs, money, living arrangements, & the pandemic itself and those feelings are compounded by an absence of the great ways in which we usually relieve them”. Earlier, while giving the opening address, the Registrar of the university, Mr. Firoj Kumar Rauta appreciated the students for their excellent reception towards the events taking place in the university. He stated that the training will assist to reduce stress more easily and will increase the positive self-influence of students. He urged the participants to pay keen interest in the event as this will be beneficial to their general wellbeing.

The management of Skyline University Nigeria, being led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sudhakar Kota has paid a condolence visit to Bayero University Kano (BUK), on Wednesday, 1st July 2020, to commiserate with the university over the death of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC)-Administration, Professor Haruna Wakili, describing his death as a great loss to the academia. The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by the Registrar, Mr. Firoj Kumar Rauta, the Librarian, Mr. Kabiru Danladi Garba, and the Head of Corporate Affairs, Engineer Bashir Garba. While speaking during the visit, Professor Kota on behalf of the management of Skyline University Nigeria, expressed sadness over the demise, stressing that death is inevitable and is a call everyone would answer someday. “Professor Haruna Wakili played a vital role in the formation of SUN, where he served in many committees and at some point served as the Chairman of the BUK-SUN Mentoring Committee. We are indeed pained by his death”, the Vice-Chancellor added. According to Prof. Kota, the late Professor Wakili was instrumental in making SUN what it is today. “We shall never forget his contributions which are very fundamental to our existence. He was a man of honor, dedication and commitment to the development and growth of education. He was always ready to give his contributions to the development of the education sector. On behalf of members of the Skyline University Nigeria Board of Trustees (BOT), Governing Council, Senate, Management, Staff and Students of Skyline University Nigeria, we express our sympathy to the family”, he expressed. In his response, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University Kano, Professor Muhammad Yahuza Bello, appreciated the Management of SUN for finding time to commiserate with the family and the BUK’s management, during their time of grief. “The late Professor Haruna Wakili would forever be remembered for his commitment and patriotism in the discharge of his assigned responsibilities,” The BUK VC stated. Professor Yahuza expressed that the late Professor Haruna Wakili was a great gentlemen and the whole university felt the painful loss.  “We will convey the message to his family members and we will continue to pray to Allah to have mercy and compassion on the soul of”, he added.

Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) has held the maiden edition of Crossfire Star Quiz online competition for pre-varsity schools. The competition which took place on 20^th June and 27^th June was organized by the University Student Service Department in collaboration with Marketing department to stimulate the interest and passion of young minds in the skills of technology at the disposal of Skyline University Nigeria and to promote a harmonious relationship between pre-varsity schools and the university so that there is continuous support and social interaction.

There were 16 schools in participation with about 80 senior secondary students. The schools’ locations cut across the country. These schools include Prof MKM Galadanci School, Zayyad Academy, Christfield School, Bennie International School, El Buhaj Royal Academy, Groombase College, Lagos, Asha International Model School, Nifolk International School, Addy Basic School, Hasiyanda International School, Iqra College, Intercontinental College, ArRayhan International School, Shubla Academy, Jofay International School and Yandutse College.

The Competition witnessed keen battle in Current affairs, English, mathematics, Geography, Science and Technology amongst representatives from the participating schools across private secondary schools in Nigeria. While it was a fun and interactive competition, it is one of the many Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by the university to promote community development.

The virtual quiz was organized in two stages: preliminary round and the knockout round. The preliminary round was conducted on Saturday, 19 June and 8 schools made it to the next. The knockout stage was conducted on Saturday 27 June. The eight schools in this category were: Intercontinental College Kano, Christfield College Ado Ekiti,  Iqra College Ilorin, El-Buhaj Royal Academy, Asha International Model School, Yanduste College Kano, Bennie International School and Jofay International School. At the end of the competition, Intercontinental College Kano emerged first place, while Chirstfield College Ado-Ekiti came second place, and Iqra College, Ilorin came third.

Earlier, while delivering the opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria, Professor Sudhakar Kota welcomed all participants and guests at the event and stated that “It gives him pleasure to see the enthusiasm in students and the school representatives and he wished the students success in this maiden online quiz event organized by Skyline University Nigeria.

The Director of Academic Support Service of Skyline University Nigeria, and the coordinator of the competition, Ms. Sarada Maganti, while giving the closing remarks, stated that “the students were scored on account of representation, promptness of answers, organization skills and timing”. She also highly appreciated the contributions of the able Quiz Masters – Mr John Ayodele, Mr Bright Abour, Mr Precious Nenji, Mr. Kelly I Akhigbe and Mrs. Goodluck Ugwumba, as well as the SUN Team who made the Programme a grand success.