News

Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) in collaboration with Food Bank Charity Association of Nigeria has on 16th October 2020, joined the global community to commemorate World Food Day by facilitating the distribution of food to hundreds of people in Kano State, part of her Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The food was distributed amongst the needy and less privileged’ in the society. Speaking at the event which took place at the Kano State Library, The Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria, Professor Sudhakar Kota, who led the distribution of food amongst the less privileged, to identify tailored goals and interventions for maximum sustainability. “The COVID-19 repercussion to hunger has made it imperative than ever to invest holistically in rendering assistance to the needy where necessary”. Professor Kota stated while delivering the food to one of the beneficiaries. Speaking during the event, the Chairman of Food Bank Charity Association of Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed Sani Garba, enumerated that the association has partnered with Skyline University Nigeria earlier in March 2020 to continue its role in the food aid sector by distributing donated and purchased food items, clothes and medications to the less privilege in the society. “He stated that World Food Day (October 16) is a day of raising awareness of increasing rates of hunger and malnutrition around the world because Food is the essence of life”. The FBCAN Chairman, Mohammed Sani Garba, who led other members of the organization for the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the FBCAN and Skyline University Nigeria, stated that while Skyline University Nigeria is silently involved in community service, there is the need to officially partner to reach a much wider audience. “With this partnership, we will put hands together to put smiles on faces for the development of the society”, he added. The event featured over 300 participants including His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, being represented by Dr. Fauziyya Buba Idris, Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor, his Highness, Alh. Bello Ado Bayero, the Danmadamin Kano, amongst others.

Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) and the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) are considering the feasibility of a partnership between the two organizations. This was revealed on Tuesday, 13th October 2020, when Professor Sudhakar Kota, the Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria led a delegation to the NAFDAC Kano office, where he unfolded plans and opportunities that abounds for both organizations. Professor Kota was accompanied by the Representative of the Pro-Chancellor, Mr. Abubakar Sadiq Ismail, the Head of Corporate Affairs Department, Engr. Bashir Garba, the Corporate Affairs Executive, Ms. Nafisa Inuwa and the Media and Communications Officer, Mr. Unique A. Christian. Speaking to an audience comprised of Pharm. Shabah Muhammad, the Kano State Coordinator, Mrs. Umar, the Head EFSAN, Dr. D. Abba, the Head Chemical Evaluation, Mr. Abubakar Baba Gana, the Head Rano Zonal Office, Mr. Nuraddeen Adamu, Admin and Protocol, Mr. Musa Abdul, the Head North-West Narcotic Control and Mr. Malami, the Quality Assurance Officer. Professor Kota stated that there were prospects and opportunities for collaboration on training, drug awareness Programmemes, research, SIWESS and Industrial Attachments. He added that he wanted the partnership to be competitive so that stakeholders of both organizations could benefit from it. “We are interested in a long-term relationship with NAFDAC in research exchange that would, in turn, promote our respective institutions”. Skyline University Nigeria is determined to raise youth to be job creators rather than job seekers, the university would like the students to seize every opportunity to create something new from the university or through her collaborations. While appreciating the gesture by the visiting team from Skyline University Nigeria. Pharm. Shabah, said he hopes that the partnership extends up to the National Level so that both parties can enjoy the full extent of the collaboration. “The discussions with some of the NAFDAC stakeholders would create room for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Skyline University Nigeria’s Library has organized its 3rd webinar series on Tuesday 13th October 2020. The webinar with the theme, ‘Writing without Plagiarism and Proper Citations using Mendeley’ was moderated by the Head Librarian of Skyline University Nigeria, Mr. Kabiru Danladi Garba and presented by Mr. Khalid Shalan, an Elsevier Consultant for Africa. The webinar aimed to give a general overview on Elsevier Content and Solutions by an introduction to Mendeley, building a personal library in Mendeley, explain in-text citations, integrating sources in writing, use of most recommended reference styles, discuss collaboration using Mendeley, academic Integrity and plagiarism as well as additional resources. The Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria, Professor Sudhakar Kota while delivering the opening remark appreciated the participants for their excellent reception towards the third webinar series and urged the participants to pay keen interest as the event unfolds. “I welcome you to this 3rd webinar, happening at a time when the university has launched its official International Journal of Business Review and Entrepreneurship (IJBRE) volume one”. The guest speaker, Mr. Khalid Shalan, who defined plagiarism as the unethical practice of using words or ideas (either planned or accidental) of another author/researcher or of your previous works without proper acknowledgement, stated that plagiarism is a serious academic and intellectual offence, and can result in highly negative consequences such as paper retractions and loss of author credibility and reputation. Some of the highlights made by Mr. Shalan were that researchers must increase their understanding of plagiarism, Do not copy-paste the text verbatim from the reference paper. Instead, restate the idea in their own words, Use quotes to indicate that the text has been taken from another paper, The quotes should be exactly the way they appear in the paper they are taken from, cite own material—if you are using content from your previous paper, you must cite yourself using the material you have published before without citation is called self-plagiarism and finally, use citation software like EndNote or Reference Manager to manage the citations used for the paper. The Head of Students Service Department, Mr. Nazim Islam, in his closing remarks, expressed appreciation to Mr. Kabiru Danladi Garba for organizing such an informative webinar, to the host presenter, Mr. Khalid Shalam and the participants for their contribution towards the success of the webinar. The webinar featured over 150 participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.

The unprecedented and prolonged school closures aimed at keeping students safe from COVID-19 has come to a close end. Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) has resumed full academic activities after the COVID-19 lockdown and its pleased to announce that admission into the 2020/2021 academic session is ongoing with encouraging responses from interested students. Following this announcement, SUN, through the marketing and admissions office has started receiving prospective candidates into the following schools – School of Science and Information Technology (SSIT) and the School of Arts Management and Social Science respectively. All tours, such as open day Programmemes for prospective students have been reinstated from Saturday, 17th October 2020. Local and International students are encouraged to contact the admission officers through the following channels www.sun.edu.ng or email us at [email protected] for further enquiry and guide on the COVID-19 safety briefing on the health protocols to be maintained. Information regarding all allocation of admission for the 2020/2021 academic session, will be sent to applicants through email. All returning students are currently attending two weeks of revision classes in preparation for the pending promotion examinations with strict adherence to COVID-19 safety measures.

Kano’s first private university, Skyline University Nigeria (SUN), through the Corporate Affairs Office (CAO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kano Electricity and Distribution Company Limited (KEDCO) on Monday, 12th October 2020. This will officially foster a joint Certificate/Diploma Programmeme on power distribution training courses for the staff of KEDCO and other external stakeholders. The MOU signing, took place at the KEDCO conference room, chaired by the Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna’s. The partnership would not only avail a joint Certificate/Diploma Programmeme but also, provide comprehensive training and Internship opportunities for Nigerians and Non-Nigerian students of SUN. While speaking at the formal signing ceremony, Dr. Jamil Isyaku said that his organization is very excited to work with a renowned private institution like Skyline University Nigeria, particularly on the immense knowledge that is going to be (shared) through the continuous upskilling and training. He commended Skyline University Nigeria for bringing the partnership to the doorstep KEDCO and urged that the management of SUN to ensure that the MoU remains active. The Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria, Professor Sudhakar Kota, who led a delegation of SUN Staff, comprised of the Representative of the Pro-Chancellor, Mr. Abubakar Ismail Sadiq, the Director of Academic Support Services, Ms. Sarada Maganti, the Head of corporate affairs Eng. Bashir Garba, the Head of Marketing, Mr. Ahmed Bello, the Chief Security Officer, Mr. Hassan Nanven and the Media and Communications Officer, Mr. Unique A. Christian, expressed his appreciation to KEDCO for the partnership. “Skyline University Nigeria would continue to sign such agreements and partnerships to empower  students, faculty and staff” the VC noted. Other members of KEDCO management, present at the signing ceremony include Dr. Vijay Kumar, the C.O.O of KEDCO, Mr. Johnson Timouye, the A.G C.R.A.O, Salisu Abdulsalam, the S.A.S.O, Abubakar Yusuf, the C.C.R.O, Jamilu S. Ahmed, the H.I.A, Mohammed Usman Sa’ad, the H.M.D.M, Yusuf Muktar, the H.G.R, Yusuf Maitama Aminu, the H.O.U Security, Mailafiya Abdullahi Adamu, the B.I.O, Nura Wada Nas, the H.O.U Registry, Abdul Yassar Haruna, the M.I.S, Sumayya Tukur Gadanya, the B.D Officer, Isaac Fabimu, the H.O.U, Omar Lawal Omar, the T.L, L & D, Alfa Ibrahim, the M.I.S.O, Daniel Okum, the C.S/L.A, and Engr. David Omoloye, the C.T.O.

Students of Skyline University Nigeria have never been so excited to return to campus, following a long absence from school, occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic. It will be recalled, that the Federal Government and the regulatory body of university education in Nigeria, the National Universities Commission (NUC), had in March 2020, instructed the closure of schools in Nigeria, in a bid to curtail the spread of the pandemic. Earlier in the week, following the compliance with safety measures on COVID 19 Pandemic by the Federal Ministry of Education and the NUC, Skyline University Nigeria has announced resumption for the completion of academic activities of the 2019/2020 academic session. The deployment of adequate medical screening equipment, face masks, sanitizers and precautionary notices on COVID-19 prevention guides were pasted, in strategic locations of the university campus, as well as mandatory re-orientation for staff and returning students. Most students returning to the campus spoke about their thoughts on returning to class, surprisingly they expressed satisfaction with the university’s call on students to return to campus. Here are some of the conversations highlighting the issues on the minds of students as they return to campus.  Ibrahim Muttakah, a 100 level student of Entrepreneurship and Innovation stated that he is impressed with the safety measures taken by the university to keep students safe. “I am very excited to be back after this long-awaited break. I’m also excited to see my friends and lecturers and I want to get this done with, as soon as possible and proceed to 200 level. I’m excited to be back” Ibrahim stated. Maryam Bulama, a 100 level student of Mass Communication echoes her excitement as she hopes that the university ramp up the semester to ensure that the time lost during the lockdown would not affect their graduation calendar. “I’m excited to be back after the lockdown and I feel like Skyline University Nigeria is doing a great job keeping students safe while we round up the semester”, she said. Fatimah Zannah, a 100 level students of Computer Science and Information Systems, shared her excitement and appreciated the guidelines and safety measures put in place by the management of Skyline University Nigeria. As she puts it, “Am excited to be back on campus”.

After five months of lockdown on educational institutions in compliance with safety measures on COVID 19 Pandemic by the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC), the apex regulatory body for university education in Nigeria, Skyline University Nigeria has announced resumption for the completion of academic activities for the 2019/2020 academic session. This was disclosed on Wednesday 30th September 2020, after the Board of Governing Council meeting, followed by an official statement from the NUC instructing Vice-Chancellors of Universities to reopen their respective institutions due to significant decline in the number of people infected with Covid-19 in the country. The Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria, Professor Sudhakar Kota, has directed all Faculty and Staff to resume duty from 02nd October 2020, while returning students, are expected to return to campus from 8th October 2020. Fresh students who are interested in pursuing a degree in Skyline University Nigeria, are expected to resume their application process beginning from 2nd October 2020. In his goodwill message, Professor Kota stated that the lockdown allowed the university to look inward and profer certain precautionary measures, as well as leveraging on some pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical protective equipment required to ensure the safety of staff, students, visitors and contractors upon resumption. He advised all staff and students to strictly adhere to the following guidelines as enshrined by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in all SUN Facilities:  To comply with temperature checks at the university entrance. To ensure washing of hands and proper sanitization before entering the reception area. To always wear a face mask in all SUN facilities. To use hand sanitizers as frequent as possible. To avoid all kinds of unnecessary gatherings at one time. To maintain social distancing by staying at least 6 feet (2 meters).

Kano’s first private university, Skyline University Nigeria (SUN), became a Centre for Continuous Learning (CCL) Programmemes, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the management of Skyline University Nigeria and its counterpart university, Skyline University College (SUC), Sharjah. The MoU signing which took place recently in a virtual meeting comprised the Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria, Professor Sudhakar Kota, The Representatives to the Pro-Chancellor, Mr. Abubakar Sadiq Ismail, the University Registrar, Mr.Firoj Kumar Rauta, the Director Academic Support Services, Mrs. Sarada Maganti, the Head Corporate Affairs, Engr. Bashir Garba and the members of the Media Department. The MoU would avail both institutions the opportunity to run short certified professional courses while ensuring that the training Programmemes conducted in the university are continually updated to industry needs, for all stages of life. Professor Kota, while speaking at the signing ceremony, said that the partnership was a very remarkable one, noting that it was between Skyline University Nigeria and her sister university, Skyline University College, Sharjah. “I am proud of this partnership coming into effect” he enthused. He commended SUC for bringing the partnership to the doorstep of SUN, as it would avail more people the opportunity to register for the continuous learning Programmeme being offered as a result of the MoU. While delivering his speech, the Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University College, Dr. Mohammad Hasan Inairat, said that SUC is looking forward to a most fruitful relationship with SUN, taking into account the accomplishment of SUC in the past 30 years. Other members of SUC management Present at the virtual signing ceremony were the Dean Students Affairs, Dr. Osama Ali, the Dean School of IT, Dr. Deepak Kalra, the Dean School of Business, Dr. Ajith Kumar, the Director Marketing & Communication, Mr. Rakesh Gaur, the Head Corporate Affairs, Mr. Rasheed Khalid, the FDC Manager, Mr. Zaidoon Al-Hatamleh, the CCL Assistant, Mr. Roel Pulangco and the Media Communication Officer, Ms. Grace Moleno.

Skyline University Nigeria has continued to be the preferred destination for individuals seeking an institution that adequately prepares graduates for employment during their studentship as all the Programmemes run by the university are fully focused on bridging the gap in skills development. This was in part of an assessment of the Programmemes by the members of the Federal Ministry of Education, who paid a courtesy visit to the university management on 28th, September 2020. The assessment will help to identify the skills gaps of individuals who make up the university community. It is also a critical and effective Programmeme that includes determining desired skills, assessing student’s skills and identifying gaps. According to the ministry’s team lead, Mrs. Obaje C. M. The Programmeme was a confirmation that the university’s plan meets national quality assurance requirement in enterprise, education, and community needs that provides appropriate competency outcome. Skyline University Nigeria has ensured that all her Programmemes from inception, meets the entrepreneurial needs of the community and professional bodies governing accreditation like the National Universities Commission (NUC). This is in conformity to the university’s drive for excellent delivery of knowledge, skills and value-based education. While receiving the guest, the Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria, Professor Sudhakar Kota stated that he is pleased to receive the members of the Federal Ministry of Education. “Skills gap assessment will ensure that the educational Programmemes offered in the university have attained a level that meets or exceeds standards” Prof. Kota stated. Other members of the Federal Ministry of Education present at the meeting includes Mr. Aleshe, A. N. and Mrs. Benjamin Lydia.

In a move to assist with the safety effort, including educators, students, parents, law enforcement agencies, businesses within the campus and faith-based organizations, Skyline University Nigeria has organized a 14 days rigorous quality management training on its security operatives to align with its vision to produce the next generation of entrepreneurs. The training was anchored by the university’s Chief Security Officer, Mr. Hassan Nanven and facilitated by the Burton Blue Security and Consultancy Services Limited. In his remarks, Mr. Hassan expressed hopes that the training would facilitate adequate mitigation measures to enhance the professional and communication skills of the operatives in their respective duty stations. He enjoined the trainees to put in their best to grasp and retain the main points to apply the same to their jobs in the university. He also pointed out that the security operatives are the first point of contact and unlike the traditional security, the operatives have not only been trained to provide excellent public service to the university community but also to serve as a warm and engaging communicator with customers. The participants expressed their excitement and gratitude for SUN commitment in enhancing their professional capacities.