Skyline University Nigeria

Skyline University Nigeria Launches ‘Educate Community Programmeme’ to Reach Out to the Physically Challenged

The desire by the management of Skyline University Nigeria to drive national impact on education, has necessitated the launch of ‘Educate Community Programmeme’, part of the university’s Corporate Social Responsibility, driven by the desire to help physically challenged youths educationally, mentally and financially. This move by the university would engage the physically challenged with a three months training in ICT, Managerial skills, Business plan set up, Industrial Trainings as well as render financial support. While identifying some of the challenges plaguing the society, Engr. Bashir Garba, the Head of Corporate Affairs Department of the university, stated that illiteracy and poverty, as well as the lack of skills in entrepreneurship development, are some of the challenges that need to be curbed. “Equipping physically challenged people with relevant skills, resources and knowledge to become self-sufficient, through education and entrepreneurial skills are some of the practical solutions that Skyline University Nigeria has identified through this Programmeme”. He added, that through the university, fifteen participants will receive daily training quarterly. “The current economic uncertainties have affected the workforce of the youth, but we will ensure to reach out to as much as many people as possible with the desired skills, quality education and training”. Engr. Bashir Stated. Vijay Arputharaj, a Senior Lecturer of the Department of Information & Communications Technology, Skyline University Nigeria, also an instructor of the training Programmeme, while highlighting some of the progress, stated that It has been one month since the commencement of classes for the underprivileged and physically challenged students. “The classes commenced with 15 students and we have completed module one and progressing to module two”. With the launch of the ‘Educate Community Programmeme’, Skyline University Nigeria is repositioned to deliver outstanding training in line with her core values of knowledge skills and value-based education towards smart solutions to some of the challenges confronting the society’s developmental effort.

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SUN, Vice-Chancellor Urges Students to Develop & Maintain an Appetite of Excellence

Professor Sudhakar Kota, the Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria, has urged new students of the institution to develop and maintain an appetite of excellence which the university is known for, as they embark on their various field of study into the 2020/2021 academic session. He made this remark on Tuesday, 17th October 2020 during the ‘New students’ orientation’ ceremony of the university, which kicked off the new academic session. Prof. Kota who delivered a message titled “knowledge skills and value-based education” added that new students of the university must dare to show excellence in all their academic and non-academic activities, adding that the university has put in place all the facilities for the students to become an asset to the community. He enumerated some of the opportunities for obtaining certification, relevant to the students’ journey in the university that will propel them not only for job pursuit but to be able to start their respective businesses. According to the Vice-Chancellor, “As a newcomer to Skyline University Nigeria, you will undergo certain Programmemes and training that is part of the bearing of the university core values aimed at developing the students’ capacities. He added that in doing so, the student is fully developed to contribute not only in personal life but in Nation building. The event featured active participation by the returning students of the university. Ms. Nihat Mustapher, a 200 level student of the Department of Micro Biology anchored the Programmeme. Ms. Aisha Zanna, a 300 level student of Mass Communication and the University’s Students’ Ambassador, spoke about ‘inclusion’. Aisha who likened the story of her sojourn in Skyline University Nigeria to that of every fresher, stated that the university has become a second home to her. “I started as a normal student but realized that Skyline has a lot more to offer than just academics. As a prestigious institution, we believe in the inclusion of all student in what this university has to offer. The event was attended by various Heads of Departments who shed more light on the function of their respective departments and information that would greatly help students to understand how they should conduct themselves during their stay in the university. Presenters at the ‘New Students Orientation’ included Mr. Firoj Kumar Rauta, the Registrar; Ms. Sarada Maganti, the Director of Academic Support Services; Mr. Kabiru Danladi Garba, the Head Librarian; Mr. Ahmed Bello, the Head of Marketing; Mr. Nazim Islam, the Head of Students’ Service; Ms. Nafisa Inuwa, Representing the Corporate Affairs Department, Mr. Musa Mohammed, the Head of Sports and Mr. Hassan Nanven the Chief Security Officer of the university. The orientation ceremony ended with enthusiasm from the newly admitted students.

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SUN Students Wins Distinguished Award at First Fire Summit in Kano

Buoyed by the tradition of success, Students of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) have distinguished themselves and made the institution proud at the first fire summit in Kano. Four students, representing different departments of the university; Aisha Zannah (300 level Mass Communication); Abba Abbator (300 level Economics); Fatima Zannah (200 level Software Engineering) and Andy Simon Yalams (200 level Computer Science), have emerged first place, following their presentations at the First Fire Summit in Kano State, held in the auditorium of the Dala Autopeadic Hospital on Wednesday, 11th November 2020. The event with the theme, “Climate Change and Socio-Economic Development; Harnessing Critical Stakeholders Input towards Minimizing Incessant Fire Outbreaks and Other Induced Blights”, was organized by the Kano Command, Fire Service in conjunction with Bayero University Kano (BUK) was presented by various schools, as part of the tradition of the Fire Service to hold fire week, annually in fulfilment of one of its core mandate, I.e. public enlightenment. The award is yet another good news for Skyline University Nigeria, which had already experienced a lot of tremendous successes, especially in terms of students’ success in in past competitions, such as the Google Hashcode competition, 4th Edition of the Women Founders Conference amongst others. To further reward their efforts and motivate more participation for future Fire Service events, the management of Kano State Fire Service Department, presented the participants with awards, respectively. The event attracted numerous dignitaries from all works of life, including Fire Service personnel, Lecturers from various universities, Teachers and Students of Secondary Schools, among others. While receiving the award on behalf of the university, Aisha Zannah, eulogized the Fire Service for creating a unique platform to engage so many stakeholders, including students of SUN to make contributions and give insights that will enlighten the general public. In his speech, Mr. Nazim Islam, Head of the Students’ Service Department who accompanied students to the event, congratulated the students for securing the first place by their outstanding presentations and coordination. “It pleased me to say, that you have made us proud through your participation and we applaud your dedicated efforts. I look forward to more of these achievements in the nearest future”.

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Skyline University Nigeria & Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) Signs MoU on Improved Academic Corporation

Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (UPT) with the Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia. The MOU signing which was conducted virtually on 10th November 2020 would define the framework for future academic corporation between both institutions of higher learning on research, education, culture, resource sharing, library services, students and faculty exchange, as well as avail students of both institutions, desirous of global exposure the requisite opportunities of the global community. Speaking during the MoU signing, Professor Sudhakar Kota, the Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria, expressed his joy over all the areas covered in the MoU. “Today, as we move forward and familiarize our partnership with UTP, we look forward to a most fruitful relationship, taking into account the enthusiasm of Dr. Ahmed Abba Haruna, FHEA a Senior lecturer of the Computer Science Department, SUN and an Alumni of UTP, who was instrumental in facilitating the MoU”. In his remark, Professor T.S. Mohamed Ibrahim Bin Abdul Mutalib, the UTP Vice-Chancellor, acknowledged that the SUN-UTP MoU signing will mark a turning point in the relationship it will share. “As we further strengthen our relationship with Africa, particularly with Skyline University Nigeria, we see an even greater opportunity to join force for a greater academic experience, greater research projects, and an open opportunity for both local and international students”. He added that “as we navigate through this new normal, we (SUN & UTP) can emerge stronger in living up to our core values”. He appreciated the management of Skyline University Nigeria for bringing the MoU to the doorstep of UTP and promised to pay a visit to the SUN campus in post COVID – 19 when the global pandemic is no longer a threat. Also present at the meeting were other members of Skyline University Nigeria and the Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS Management.

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Back to school and Anxious? We Have You Covered

This fall semester 2020/2021 session, as new/returning students of Skyline University Nigeria arrived on campus, many new students may be less familiar with COVID-19 safety measures on the university campus. Apart from the academics and extra-curricular activities associated with learning, some of these safety measures, such as regular hand washing/frequent use of sanitizers, keeping a distance of at least 6 feet from others and wearing a mask will continue to be some of the most important things students can do to stay safe, while they pursue their career studies.

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Useful Tricks & Career Opportunities for Every Computer Science Students

Computer science is one of the very popular major course/degree Programmeme among global students. There are several bases that computer science is very popular, including outstanding career security, especially high paid salaries, and also assorted job opportunities across various industries. In Skyline University Nigeria, we exclusively concentrate on these tricks for computer science student’s growth. Here are a few useful tricks to keep in mind to be an unbeaten Computer Science student. Focal point on enhancing practical Computer Science skills Most of Computer Science and Information Technology courses are not only theory-based compared to courses from other types of majors such as management, economics, social sciences, etc. Even though Computer Science (CS) and Information Technology (IT) degree include various theory-based classes, the approach of those courses are far more concentrated in practical skills. For instance, right after theoretical classes say for an example web design and development, you must have to apply the theoretical knowledge which is learnt through practical web development in a computer laboratory and also with various projects. Should learn more after the classes Most of Computer Science and IT courses are rocking interesting. But it won’t cover all the handiness the student might need in a job. For example, if you are learning the course called Software Engineering and you are planning to go into software development, the student should also learn significant Programmeming languages related to software development.  The student of computer science may need to update themselves and always should have a thirst to learn new Programmeming languages on their own, skyline university Nigeria is helping students to update their knowledge in these areas by giving various webinars, conferences, knowledge sharing lecture series etc. Also, students can start up with introductions to online Programmeming languages, some courses are offered for free (W3Schools, Linkedin), such as Python, MATLAB, Java, DART and much more. Time Planning and Test abilities tourism  Scheduling time properly is very important and after completing core assignments or projects, ICT students are advised to hit Google and find out what type of computing skills tech companies are looking for. Particularly, look into further details on the exact requirements at those specific companies you dream of working for. When you are learning Web design and development – The computer science student could also make simple websites or Programmes just for themself to test their abilities and push them further. If you want to study Computer Science and Information Technology (IT) at top-ranked universities, check Programmemes offered by some of the best universities ranked by UniRank, One of the best universities in Africa for a Computer Science degree, especially in Nigeria: Skyline University Nigeria (https://www.4icu.org/reviews/18431.htm) Some of the best universities in the USA for a Computer Science degree: California Institute of Technology  Massachusetts Institute of Technology  Georgia Institute of Technology Do not need to be an isolated guzzle Being able to work on your own and independently motivate yourself is great, and you’ll need that. But don’t forget that you’re not alone, and its’ highly unlikely you’ll be alone in the workplace as well. You’re likely to be part of a team. Teamwork takes some skills you’ll need to brush up on and work constantly. Once you’ll find a good study group, you’ll surely enjoy meeting with your peers, sharing ideas and working on interesting projects. After all, that’s just the classical way innovation starts: with a few genius minds that come together and work on a new invention until it becomes a trademark.[4] Skyline University Nigeria has MOU with Worldwide popular destinations for Computer Science Institutions: MOU with Top Institutions and Universities of Computer Science in India  MOU with Top Institutions and Universities of Computer Science in Malaysia Learn with life Learn Computer Science degree in Skyline University Nigeria, and Study-related courses involved in our day to day life. Students can spend their daily life with social networking such as Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp and they can learn how to develop it. The courses and offered may be tough to build the capacity in students but if you interconnect your life with your studies, it will be very easy to learn it. Some other courses will refresh your mind and increase your grades. Cheers, Rest, good luck! References: Education in Nigeria – https://wenr.wes.org/2017/03/education-in-nigeria Kano State – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kano_State Skyline University Nigeria at the glance – https://sun.edu.ng/sun-at-the-glance 5 Study Tips that Will Make You a Successful Computer Science Student https://www.mastersportal.com/articles/434/5-study-tips-that-will-make-you-a-successful-computer-science-student.html   Dr. Vijay Arputharaj is a Lecturer I of Computer and Information Science in Skyline University Nigeria. He has a PhD. in Computer Science, from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India. You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria  

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Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) and CIPM, Sign MoU on Developing Students’ Capacities in Management Systems

Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) in a bid to assert her status as the University with the most developed students for the workplace environment, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) to certify her students in Management Systems as well as other personnel of the university. This was revealed on Tuesday, 3rd November 2020, during an online webinar comprising members of the CIMP and SUN. The CEO of CIPM, Ms. Busola Alofe, while speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, expressed delight over the partnership. She said that the CIPM will leverage its institutional capabilities, capacity and networks through its collaboration with SUN to offer SUN’s Academic & Administrative Staff, Students and other Stakeholders routes to professional Membership of the CIPM, Creating visibility of SUN’s academic and short-term learning offerings to CIPM Stakeholders for enrolment and/or participation, partnering on Curriculum Integration. She added that students as well as other beneficiaries stood to enjoy the privilege of becoming members of the certified Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Trainers and Consultants in the facilitation of quality management certification at different levels. Thereby, enabling SUN students the opportunity to pursue dual certification as well as collaborating on research efforts, covering areas of mutual interest, particularly focused on bridging the gap between theoretical principles as taught in institutions of learning and the practical realities of execution, in business; and on knowledge management activities. In his remark, the Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria, Professor Sudhakar Kota stated that the University, in living up to its core values, continued to sign such agreements and partnerships to build the capacity of her students, faculty and staff. He added that the MoU with CIPM will mark the beginning of a new marriage in the history of SUN & CIPM that will help in developing the right manpower for the growth and development of Nigeria. “This MoU will be a landmark for institutions in the history of HR relations in the country”. Also present at the virtual signing ceremony were Mr. Abubakar Sadeeq Ismail, the Special Representative of the Pro-Chancellor Mr. Nitin Anand; Mr. Firoj Kumar Rauta, the University Registrar; Ms. Sarada Maganti, the Director of Academic Support Planning; Engr. Bashir Garba, the Head of Corporate Affairs Department, amongst others.

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Enhancing Computing Education in a Post Covid-19 Era

The contemporary convolutions of teaching and learning computer science/software engineering are increased in a diverse learning environment where students are diverse in their disciplinary backgrounds, language skills, and cultures. Some of the characteristics that are negatively impacting computer science students learning achievements are: the gap between the students’ and the teacher’s perspective of learning outcomes and task completion (Thompson, Hunt, & Kinshuk, 2006)1; the initial perception of students that “learning Programmeming is hard” (Tan et al., 2009). Computer Programmeming “requires the use of complex cognitive skills, such as reasoning, problem solving and planning” (Tie et al., 2010)2. “A Programmemer forms abstract representations of a process, expresses them in the form of logic structures, and finally translates them into correct code using the formal language” (Wiedenbeck et al., 2004)3. The three primary pedagogical goals in teaching a Programmeming language are therefore covering the language’s syntax, developing Programme design skills and creative thinking. The selection of the most suitable Programmeming language and the teaching approach are presented as two fundamental issues related to teaching Programmeming (Al-Imamy 2006)4. Computer science pedagogy varies from developing skills in design and implementation focusing on the understanding of the machine aspects or real world application aspects such as object-oriented design and development (Berglunda, et al., 2009)5. For this reason, I believe that students should be empowered with reflective lifelong learning skills to be successful in the highly dynamic field of ICT where Programmeming languages and tools constantly evolve. In general, with respect to computer science/software engineering, I realize any task that involve practical applications helps students become and remain engaged in a cognitive process. While traditional teacher-centric pedagogy is focused on the course content and transferring knowledge to the students whereas a learner-centric view is focused on assisting students to develop or build knowledge (Wright, 2011)6, but it is considered not effective in systematically guiding computer science students to be able to learn and feel very comfortable with new ideas and their applications. Bearing in mind the challenges that computer Programmeming represents to students, I believe that finding and implementing an appropriate teaching approach will be one of the crucial factors in students’ to be able to succeed in mastering the course content. Fortunately, one of the most rewarding aspects of an academic position is the opportunity to teach and interact with students. Whether or not they realize it, students have the freedom to explore and to think about problems in new ways. As teachers, we have the opportunity to guide students’ discoveries and learn a great deal in the process.  Hence, I have found several approaches helpful in systematically guiding computer science/software engineering students to be able to learn and feel very comfortable with new ideas and their applications; among the approaches are constructive alignment, collaborative learning theory, and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. In constructive alignment: learner constructs his or her own learning through relevant learning activities, while teacher creates a learning environment that supports the learning activities relevant to achieving the desired learning outcomes (Biggs, 2003)7. Collaborative learning facilitates: cognitive constructivism where peer discussion leads to enhanced conceptual understanding (Crouch & Mazur, 2001)8; social construction of new knowledge by reflecting on the new material, cognitive rehearsal, and assimilation, through teamwork and deeper understanding, promoted by interaction among team members with varying levels of prior knowledge (Sangin, Molinari, Nüssli, & Dillenbourg, 2011)9. While Maslow’s theory (Maslow, 1943)10 is a motivational theory in psychology consisting of five hierarchy of human needs. For an individual to be self-actualized, all the five hierarchy of needs most be satisfied in a sequential manner as shown in figure 1. Figure 1: Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs By examining the literature related to this philosophy, I, however, have to argue with Maslow’s, 1943 theory of Humanism, for fact that most people reached self-actualisation without going through the hierarchy of needs in sequence (e.g. a person that came from a poor family but yet become successful in life). Hence, not everyone will move through the hierarchy in a uni-directional manner but may move back and forth between the different types of needs (McLeod, 2017)11. Consequently, I would like to propose a student-centered learning and teaching method that integrates constructive alignment (consistency), collaborative learning theory (collaboration, conception, and cognition), and bits of Maslows theory (love/belonging and self-actualisation) in a student-centered teaching pedagogy as shown in figure 2. Figure 2: Integration of Learning Theories into Student-Centered Teaching Pedagogy   Figure 2 is designed to transforms the traditional 2-hour lecture to a flipped classroom (by assigning recorded video lectures as homework, and use class time for active learning exercises/activity and direct engagement/discussion with students) but classified into five different sessions: 1. Explanation/ Elaboration Session: By explaining where necessary, elaborating on the concept to be taught using simulations and real-world examples, and referring back to previously-taught concepts (“teaching by facilitating” (Rogers, 1967)12, which is “driven by what learner’s need to know” (Knowles, 2005) 2. Conceive and Communication Session: Facilitating collaborative learning through this session, by taking 5 to 10 minutes to form some small group discussions. The group discussions are to be guided by questions related to the main concept and are intended to enable the social construction of new knowledge (“learners using their prior experience” (Knowles, 2005). These communication sessions will reduce the difficulties experienced by students in framing questions and expressing their doubts in the early stages of the course (“because learning is pervasive – involving the whole person” (Rogers, 1967). 3. Interaction Session: During the interaction session, students will raise questions or share their insights gained during their group discussions (“which is developing learner’s full potential” (Rogers, 1967). Based on this feedback, the new concept is further explained and linked to existing schemas in the knowledge construction process (“through identifying what needs to be learned, which is relevant” (Knowles, 2005). It will further enable the students to share their group learning experiences with the whole class. 4. Collective Problem Solving Session: During this session, students will work together in small teams in solving a

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4th Library Webinar – Digital Transformation Decoded: eLibrary for Today and Tomorrow

Kano’s first Private International University, Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) has organized a webinar with the theme, ‘Digital Transformation Decoded: eLibrary for Today and Tomorrow’ on Wednesday 28th October 2020. The webinar is the fourth of a series offered by the University Library which examines the growing imperative for Digital Library with remote access, virtual classrooms, web portal, mobile app (iOS & Android), user management and analytics, virtual labs in the provision of successful research support services. Mr. Kabiru Danladi Garba, the Head Librarian of Skyline University Nigeria, was the moderator of the webinar While making his presentation, Mr Vankesh V, Manager, Training and Customer Success; Knimbus, the keynote presenter, said that eLibrary for today and tomorrow involved the use of mobile Library which offers a multi-format, content delivery app for users to consume eBook collections, eCourse material, latest journal issues and multimedia learning content as well as access the entire library on their smartphone from anywhere, at any time. He added that the Library will be able to promote new eBooks and publications on the mobile app via notifications. Amongst other resolutions of the webinar includes strong in-built security measures plus centralized control by the Library Admin, developing library mobile pages with important library information and links, simple discovery of content through Title, Author, ISSN/ISBN search and browsing by subject, publisher as well as an offsite full-text availability that will enable users to read eBooks (PDFs) and journal articles (PDFs or HTMLs) on their mobile devices, wherever they are. In his opening remark, Professor Sudhakar Kota, the Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria, appreciated the participants and stated that the webinar was set aside to benefit the participants in promoting literacy and other activities that can enhance learning and teaching in the various institutions of higher learning. He enjoined the participants to pay keen attention to the webinar. 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 Vankesh V and the Assistant Librarian, Mr. Musa Muhammed for taking the Questions & Answers Session as well as to the participants for their contribution towards the success of the webinar. The webinar featured over 93 participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.

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Students Life & Time Management Tips

Students’ life can be associated with a common problem of stress due to lack of proper time management. The weekly assignments, the exams to study for, amongst other social engagements can easily become overwhelming for most students. It is even much difficult for students with competing priorities that can cause excessive frustration and failure. So, what can you do to better manage your time and stay on top of assignments and exams amid busy schedules? At Skyline University Nigeria (SUN), we encourage good time management to enable students to organize and plan how to divide their time between specific activities. This will help our students to study smarter – not harder – so that they get more done in less time, even when time is tight and pressures are high. Here are some time management tips to help you study smarter. Strike a balance In the course of your undergraduate journey, you will need to strike the balance between several competing responsibilities, including studies, assignments, class preparation, exercise, sports, extra-curricular activities, school organizational activities and socializing. Keep these consciously in view and avoid spending too much time on one unimportant issue at the expense of other pressing matters that urgently need your attention. Recognize that there is a need for a balanced approach to your life. With proper time management, you will be able to allocate the time required for each engagement in your life. Set Manageable Goals You can write down the goals you want to achieve in a day, a week, a month or a semester. If they are neither achievable nor manageable, break them down or subdivide them into smaller tasks which can be undertaken more easily in a day, a week, a month or a semester. Ensure that you place a deadline on each goal you have chosen and then consciously work toward achieving the goal within that time frame. Study Properly There is a right way to study and get satisfactory results. To study properly, you will need to be an active participant in the process of your studies. This can be achieved by reproducing from your memory as much as you can from what you have read in your notes and writing down the information in the form of summarized points without referring to the original text. Repeat this process over and over until you can easily recreate the main points you are trying to memorize. Once the main points are stored in your memory, your class notes can be used only to check the accuracy of what you noted. Rest Sufficiently Lots of students feel constantly stressed throughout the day, with the classes they need to attend, the studies they need to complete, the tests and assignments they need to hand in. They are still carrying this mental state when they turn in for the night. Hence, while they sleep, their mind is at school, trying to complete an unfinished task. Take time to relax and let go of studies in the evening so that your mind and body can fully replenish and rebuild sufficiently while you sleep.

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