Skyline University Nigeria

The Therapeutic Roles of Ferullic Acid

 The Therapeutic Roles of Ferullic Acid An organic acid, Ferullic acid, are available in some grains, seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables e, g., Apple seeds, Barley, Bran, Citrus fruits, Corn, Eggplant, Flaxseed bread, Navy beans, Oatmeal, Popcorn, Rice, Rice bran oil, and Rye bread etc. Availability of Ferullic acid can be increased by cooking as it will break the cellular compartments where it is stored. Ferulic acid is found in high concentrations in various herbal products including in traditional Chinese medicine, e.g., dong quai (Angelica sinesis), sheng ma (Cimicifuga heracleifolia), and chuan xiong (Ligusticum chuangxiong). It has been shown to have many physiological functions e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial activity, anticancer, and antidiabetic effect (1). It is a very strong antioxidant. It executes its antioxidant function by triple mode: direct scavenging of free radicals, inhibiting enzymes responsible for free radical generation and enhancing the activity of scavenger enzymes. It is best known for its skin-protective properties and widely used in cosmetic industry. It is most often applied topically as anti-aging skin cream reversing the signs of aging, including growth of fine lines and wrinkles and damage from sunlight exposure. It is believed to neutralize free radicals of aged and damaged cells. The experimental study which indicated the role of Ferullic acid in protecting chronically ultra violet damaged skin against skin tumor development in mice, never included a control of treating mice with only Ferullic acid (2). Instead the study was conducted with Ferullic acid in combination with Vitamin E and C. Therefore, the result of the study remains doubtful today in grounding its role individually in healing skin lesion. Hence more studies with solid evidences are required. Besides the widely acceptance of role of Ferullic acid in skin protection, it is believed to enhance athletic performance and to prevent or treat certain health conditions e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Atherosclerosis, Cancer, Hypertension, Diabetes, Menopause and Osteoporosis. Unfortunately, the experimental studies of supporting its role in preventing or healing of each of this disease is pretty weak even today (3).  References: 1) Zduńska K., Dana A., Kolodziejczak A., Rotsztejn H. (2018) Antioxidant Properties of Ferulic Acid and Its Possible Application. Skin Pharmacol Physiol., 31:332-336. 2) Burns E. M., Tober K. L.,Riggenbach J. A., Kusewitt D. F., Young G. S. , Oberyszyn T. M. (2013) Differential effects of topical vitamin E and C E Ferulic® treatments on ultraviolet light B-induced cutaneous tumor development in Skh-1 mice. PLoS One., 14; e63809. 3) https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-ferulic-acid-89607#citation-2

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SUN Accounting & Management Students Visits Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Kano

In a bid to develop interpersonal skills and improve students’ sense of innovation and much more, Students of Accounting & Management Department of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN), has on 23rd November, paid a technical visit to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Kano. this will ultimately help them come up with more exciting ideas that will benefit them in the workplace environment and ultimately transform society. The students on arrival were received by Mr. Silas Idachaba, the Tax Controller of the FIRS Kano Office 1. Mr. Silas gave an account of the activities of the organization to SUN students and briefed them on the functions of various units of the organization, as it relates to tax collection processes. He commended SUN’s culture of taking students to industries for practical exposure. “This kind of visit will enable students to learn new skills & acquire additional knowledge. In the process, they end up mastering new skills & polishing the existing ones gained in the classes”. He stated. In his remark, the head of Return and Payment Processing (RPP) – Mr. Adamu Isah Mohammed explained to students, the need to be good ambassadors of the institution and Nigeria as a whole. This can only be achieved if they indulge in prompt payment of taxes. On his part, the Corporate Affairs Supervisor of SUN, Mr. Saka Shehu thanked the management of FIRS for the kind gestures and supports rendered to the SUN Team during the visit. The students had the opportunity to learn first-hand the different enterprises and production centers operating within the FIRS.

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COP26: Takeaways from the Glasgow

Introduction. Climate change has been a significant issue in post-Cold War politics. About a week ago, world leaders met at Glasgow to discuss the progress of climate change in their respective countries and negotiated the necessary steps to move further in making the world environmentally safer. The 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26) was seen by many as a follow up conference to the Paris agreement signed back in 2015 to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.  Historically, the first international panel on climate change was set up in 1988 as an organization to provide countries with scientific information to develop climate policies. Later the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was established to protect against unsafe human interference with the climate, where the conference of Parties (COP) serves as the key decision-making body. Each year, the COP is held to discuss the progress made by members, negotiate the deliberate strategies needed to improve climate change. After two weeks of delegation among nations at the COP26. Here are the most significant outlooks of the conference. Firstly, over 100 countries now joined the  European Union and the United States  on methane gas emission reduction  by 30% against 2030 (Newburger, 2021). These include countries with the biggest methane production namely United States, Nigeria, Pakistan, Mexico and Brazil. Secondly both The United States and China, the two largest carbon gas emitters agreed to prevent global warming by enhancing clean energy and mitigating deforestation. All these efforts are to ensure that earth temperature does not suppress 1.5 Celsius which is 0.5 less than the 2015 Paris agreement (Lu, 2021). Thirdly another major issue deliberated during the conference was finance and funding. The issue here is the disparities between developed rich nations and the developing world. Countries like India heavily depend on coal from production. Promises were made during the Copenhagen summit  a decade back  to fund poorer developing countries 100 billion per year by 2020 (Lu, 2021). This is to encourage them to engage in climate adaption efforts. In response, donors promised to meet their 100 billion promise by 2023.  In line with the above, scholars have indicated that there is a need to do better despite this major adjustment, they fear in the coming years, the world will experience more flooding and heatwaves. According to climate scientists Daniel Swain. “If we don’t have large success this decade in bending the carbon curve … we will be producing an earth that looks very different in a few decades from now.” While others argued that setting this target is  progressive, implementing them is  a  harder  task  to do.  In a nutshell, the summit ended with the objective that nations should go back and return next year with tougher regulations strategies to combat climate change.  Reference COP26: What was agreed at the Glasgow climate conference?. BBC News. (2021). Retrieved 22 November 2021, from https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-56901261. Lu, C. (2021). 4 Key Takeaways From COP26. Foreign Policy. Retrieved 22 November 2021, from https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/11/15/cop26-climate-change-un-conference-takeaways/. Newburger, E. (2021). CNBB.com. Retrieved 22 November 2021, from https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/16/un-cop26-climate-summit-what-was-accomplished.html. What is COP26?. Young Scot. (2021). Retrieved 22 November 2021, from https://young.scot/get-informed/national/whatiscop26?utm_source=Google+Ads&utm_medium=Paid&utm_campaign=COP26&gclid=Cj0KCQiAeeMBhCpARIsAAZfxZBlZP_YtvFV2FqR8f6TiOGhMEuINk1KkF9IeGnrxRZtpFI8a91eLEQaAvlZEALw_wcB.   Mr. Farid Illo is a Lecturer II in the Department of International Relations, Skyline University Nigeria. He holds a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from University Utara Malaysia (UUM) You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria

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SUN Student Aisha Zannah, Made Huge Presence at 3rd Annual K4P Symposium, Rwanda

Aisha Zannah, a student in the Department of Mass Communication, Skyline University Nigeria, has wowed the audience with her creative talent at the recently held 3rd Annual Knowledge for Prevention Symposium (K4P), where she was one of the speakers for youth advocate. The symposium which took place on 18th November 2021, at the Marriott Kigali Hotel in Rwanda, was designed to address ongoing research and policy gaps around children’s recruitment and use in armed violence. The symposium with the theme, ‘Intersecting Violations – Preventing Forced Child Labour and the recruitment and use as soldiers’, seeks to better understand the indicators that precede childrens’ recruitment and use as part of both state and non-state armed groups. Despite being a phenomenon that continues to occur in conflicts around the globe, reliable and timely information to advance prevention efforts is still lacking, whereas, new methodologies are required to enhance existing knowledge and gain a better understanding of this global issue. While making her presentation on the theme of the event, Ms. Aisha reiterated the importance of effective security culture in combatting crime to the barest minimum, particularly to protect youth in Northeast Nigeria that are vulnerable to the dual challenges of being targets for recruitment and stigmatized by their community for suspected affiliation with armed group. “Armed groups use and recruitment of children to act as a twofold weapon, exacting violence on the youth themselves and on the community, ethos by threatening family and community stability”, she stated. She highlighted that the issue of children being used in armed conflict is of great concern that requires the intervention of International Corporations. In her words, “The future is the children and coming from Nigeria, where the insurgency is affecting the future of the whole world, there is the need for countries like Nigeria, Mozambique and other countries to learn from this insecurity, broaden their horizon and provide lasting solutions that will help not only Africa but the rest of the world It is worth the mention that Aisha was the only advocate from Nigeria amongst other important dignitaries. These dignitaries include Simon Hills, Technical Specialist, International Labour Organization & Co-Chair of the Alliance for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action as well as Dr. Musavengana Chibwana, Senior Child Protection Officer, African Union. More photos below.

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Members of Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Kano Area Office Pays SIWES Inspection Visit to Skyline University Nigeria

Skyline University Nigeria hosted key officers of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Kano Area Office, on Monday, November 22nd, 2021. The visit was part of a routine exercise of the fund, on behalf of the Federal Government, to administer an inspection of the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). The visiting team from the ITF includes the Head of Training, Mr. Dauda Lawal and two ITF Officers, Ms. Zainab Abubakar and Mr. Haruna Rasheed Abdullahi.  While stating the purpose of his team visit, the ITF Head of Training, Mr. Dauda expressed the ITF commitment to ensure that Skyline University Nigeria has a functional SIWES Unit for the smooth operation as required by the fund. He assured SUN management of Maximum Corporation in ensuring a successful inspection exercise, including minimum personnel and material requirements. While receiving the inspection team, the Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria, Prof. Ajith Kumar V.V stated that SUN has met most of the requirements of the fund, including a Head of SIWES Unit, Administrative officers, coordinators and supporting staff, application of job specifications as prepared for all the courses in the university with maximum academic guidelines, amongst others. Prof. Ajith stressed the need to make the SIWES registration easier for the students by making it an online process so that it becomes easy for faculty, coordination and supervisors as well as to monitor the students’ activities online. He added that it was quite interesting what the ITF is doing monitoring and managing students in the different states in Nigeria. With another batch of students about to be dispatched, he added that the first batch has recently completed their SIWES activities has returned to campus. While delivering the closing remarks, the Head of Corporate Affairs Department, Engr. Bashir Garba appreciated the ITF officials for taking the time to highlight to the management of the University, the requirement of the ITF to put theories and concepts into practice, Build work-related skills required for the business environment through constructive feedback and supervision, etc.

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SUN Music & Dance Club Awards Finalist of the 2021 Students Talent Hunt Competition

Organizers of the ‘2021 Talent Hunt Competition’ have reportedly awarded students’ creativity and performance in poetry, music and dance, where five Finalists have emerged victorious. The competition which was organized by the University’s Student Service Department, in collaboration with the Music & Dance Club of the University, explored other aspects of creativity of the students who participated. Students’ competitions are increasingly used to measure quality and social interactions amongst students in Skyline University Nigeria. The talent hunt competition which was held at the University’s campus promoted creativity amongst the students as well as provided the opportunity for them to cool off after a strict class schedule. It as well gave room for the students to socialize with friends in the events that interest them in the university. Nihat Mustapha emerged first place in poetry, while Aisha Kabir came second. Falmata Moussa Waziri emerged first place in Singing, while Ramlat Umar Aba emerged second place. In the areas of dancing, Mohammad Ahmed Abubakar emerged first place while Marwan Aliyu came second. The finalists were assessed based on creativity, originality, composition, and excellence, and how well they were able to touch base with their audience. Earlier, while commenting on the talent hunt competition, Dr. Olumide Ajayi, the Head of General Studies Department and Convener of the Music & Dance Club, stated that the objectives of the event were to produce the best students and to encourage other students to socialize better. “SUN is not concerned only with your academics. We are concerned about your extracurricular activities as well”.  The award for the 2021 students talent hunt competition was presented by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ajith Kumar V.V, who appreciated the students’ participation as they turn up in large numbers. He stated that the University will be having many more such activities. He encouraged the students to be happy and enjoy their life and studies.  

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SUN Students Visit Corporate Affairs Commission on Technical Exposure

Students of Accounting, Business Administration and Entrepreneurship Department of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) have recently paid a technical visit to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Kano office. The Students under the supervision of the Head of Corporate Affairs Department of the University, Engr. Bashir Garba and a Lecturer in the Department of Accounting and Finance, Dr. Umar Aliyu Mustapha had the opportunity to learn first-hand about the function and understanding of the nature of the Commission. The students were received and lectured by top official of the Commission. On the same day, they visited the office, the CAC (regional) Head of the Kano office, Mr. Musa Kabiru Jemaku, while receiving the visiting team from the University, explained the function of the Commission as set out in section 7 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, which he listed as; “The CAC administer the Act, including the regulation and supervision of the formation, incorporation, management and winding up of companies; Establishes and maintain companies registry and offices in all the states of the Federation; Arrange and conduct an investigation into the affairs of any company where the interests of the shareholders and the public so demand” amongst other services. He said While speaking on the purpose of the visit, Engr. Bashir stated that it was to educate students of the University on certain areas in their discipline and provide additional context and clarity in the causes taught. Describing the trip as successful, He appreciated the efforts of his colleagues in making the visit memorable. The students visited the different sections within the CAC.

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Vice-Chancellor Charged New Students to Take Responsibility to Become High-Flyers

The Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) has charged the newly admitted students of the Fall 2021/2022 academic session to take responsibility, obey the rules and regulations of the University and work on developing those skills and values that showcase Skyline in a positive light. As he puts it, “Your education has no use if you don’t have the basic knowledge and skills required to excel in society”. He made it clear to the students that the next four-five years are in their hands and how they respond to the mandate of the University, will ultimately enlist them amongst the high-flyers. “Your career progression is a function of how dedicated you are to your studies, take responsibility for your life and education”, the Vice-Chancellor stated. He ensures the students of the University’s support towards their overall welfare. Prof. Ajith advised the new students to take SUN as their University, enjoy their life on campus and think twice before making a decision. As he puts it, every decision made must be one that will make your parents proud. “Skyline University Nigeria is an International University; be part of those that will corporate to make this University maintain an international environment”, the VC Said. Earlier, while appreciating the students for choosing Skyline University Nigeria as their choice destination, he encouraged them to not think of themselves less, stating that, if they put in their effort, the results will come to them in a big way. He urged them not to bring shame to the University and their parents, rather keep on carrying the flag of the University high. You have been called ‘Skyliners’, the sky can only be the starting point. Overall, the orientation exercise gave an opportunity to the university’s staff to acquaint new students with the vision and mission of the University as well as other issues of importance that may affect their studentship in the University. The new students were engaged in the culture, expectations, and resources that Skyline University Nigeria has to offer. The orientation provided an opportunity for students to learn about what being a Skyliner is all about and gave them focus beyond the academic department or Programmeme they are joining. There were other important contributions, from the office of the University’s Registrar, Mr. Haruna Aliyu, the Head Librarian, Mr. Kabiru Danladi Garba, the Director of Academic Support Service, Ms. Sarada Maganti, the Head of Marketing, Mr. Sunday Ediri, the Head of Sports, Mr. Musa Mohammad, the Students Service Executives, Mr. Nazim Islam, the Head of Corporate Affairs, Engr. Bashir Garba, The Head of Security, Mr. Hassan Nanven, amongst others.

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Skyline University Nigeria Receives Students of Nigerian Tulip International School, Kano on ‘Changing Gear’ & Campus Tour

Skyline University Nigeria has recently conducted a ‘Changing Gear’ seminar for the students of Nigerian Tulip International School, Kano. The seminar which was done on Saturday, 13th November 2021, was hosted by the University to prepare students for the technologically driven world and the untapped opportunities available in the university environment. While making his presentation on the theme of the seminar, ‘University Education: A World of Opportunities’, Dr. Olumide Abraham Ajayi, the current Head of General Studies Department of the University, stated that the choice of choosing a university is a crucial decision that will have a lot of impact on the rest of the students’ life and shape the immediate future of the students by determining what skills they will develop and opportunities they can seize. He enjoined the students to consider future ambition or future career, personal strength and weakness, a combination of subjects and performance in SSCE/UTME/Cambridge or other International Examination when choosing a university. He added further that course availability, quality of faculty, placement opportunities, good curriculum, standard infrastructure and university ranking, should be taken into cognizance in choosing a suitable university. Using Skyline University Nigeria as a case study, Dr. Ajayi outlines what students can expect from the university. He mentioned academic activities, co-curricular activities (Sport, Music, Social activities), self-discovery (Talent, Leadership skills, Interpersonal skills, Public speaking skills, Self-confidence &character development), as well as industry connections as some of the expected outcomes of a good university. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ajith Kumar V.V, making his remarks, encouraged the students to develop the spirit of entrepreneurs while they select a university of choice. He advised the students to join a university that will make a difference in their careers. The event was concluded with a tour of the university facilities by the visiting student.

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How Telemedicine Can Transform the Healthcare Delivery Scenario in Nigeria

Telemedicine exploits the advances in telecommunication technology to transfer medical data from one location to another. The phenomenal expansion and rampant proliferation of internet services in the remotest parts of the globe have made the ‘Online Health Care’ now a reality. In 1998 the WHO defined telemedicine as: “….the delivery of healthcare services, where distance is the critical factor, by all healthcare professional using information and communication technologies for the prevention of disease and injuries, research and evaluation, and for the continuing education of healthcare providers all in the interest of advancing the health of individual and their communities” [1]. Telemedicine is an effective technique to relieve hospital overcrowding and maximize the use of medical resources. Insufficient medical resources and misallocation of resources have become a global problem in medicine. With the advancement in communication and information technologies, telemedicine can now offer patients access to high-quality healthcare services. Telemedicine has tremendous potential to dramatically improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery providing patients with easy access to specialist expertise that was previously inaccessible or difficult to obtain. Telemedicine can be classed into three types of service delivery methods: store-and-forward, remote patient monitoring, and real-time interactive services [2]. In store-and-forward telemedicine service, first, the medical data (such as medical images and bio-signals) are digitalized and then the data is transmitted to a Doctor or medical specialist across distance and time. In remote patient monitoring, medical experts monitor a patient remotely using wearable gadgets, digital video, or other technologies. This method is mainly applied to manage chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and asthma. For the real-time interactive service, patients and doctors communicate through video conferencing. Typically, patients must visit a local telemedicine health center to receive this service, which is provided by the-specialists. Benefits That Come With the Use of Telemedicine Convenience Less expensive Time-saving Less traveling Useful in emergency condition Large target population can be reached easily A dramatic increase in telemedicine services was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many patients who were unable to venture outside were forced to consult a medical specialist from their home via video conferencing. A Glo-Telemedicine Center in Lagos, is providing healthcare services to local Nigerians. This center has collaborations with healthcare providers from India, the U.S., Egypt, and other countries. The clinic is aimed to provide low-cost specialist services to many Nigerians [3]. Despite the potential of telemedicine in Nigeria, there have been obstacles to its widespread adoption [4], some of which are listed below: Inadequate infrastructural development High cost of set up Resistance to change Lack of access to required gadgets by patients Lack of affordability of telemedicine services by patients Internet connectivity Lack of constant power supply Lack of sufficient technicians Community acceptance By making medical expertise more accessible telemedicine can reduce regional diversity in diagnosis, treatment, and clinical care. Integration of telemedicine services into the existing health care delivery system can work wonders in many African countries. However, many challenges have to be first addressed only then the real beneficial power of the telemedicine services can be unleashed. Gradually, in the coming years, once these bottlenecks are solved, telemedicine will transform the healthcare delivery scenario not only in Nigeria but entire Africa. References: Pal, S.K., Pandey, G.S., Kesari, A., Choudhuri, G., Mittal, B. (2002). Telemedicine: E-health and hospital of the future. Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research, 61, 414 – 422. Wang, X., Zhang, Z., Zhao, J., Shi, Y. (2019). Impact of Telemedicine on Healthcare Service System Considering Patients’ Choice. Discrete Dynamics in Nature and Society, Volume 2019, Article ID 7642176, 16. New telemedicine center in Nigeria aims to keep patients at home. https://tinyurl.com/ny4btuxj Telemedicine: The Untapped Goldmine in Nigeria’s Healthcare System. Sydani Initiative for International Development. https://tinyurl.com/2vedjmj8 Dr. Sanjoy Kumar Pal is a Professor of Biology in Skyline University Nigeria. He has a PhD. in Animal Genetics from Indian Veterinary Research Institute, India. You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria

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