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.

Most students seeking admission into Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) have many things assumed about students’ life in the university and many of them are simply a myth. Several myths about students’ life seemed mind-blowing for pre-varsity hopefuls. While some believe that a university is a place where you get a lot of free time, attend parties at will, make a lot of friends to hang out with etc. for others, given the level of study and social engagements, students are usually only involved in a triangular life. i.e, from the lecture rooms to the hostels and social gathering (Religious and circular), etc. Information gathered from a student of Skyline University Nigeria, will drop a few bombshells and hopefully provide answers to questions about students’ life in the university. According to Aisha Zannah, a 200 level student of Mass Communication, “I am in my second year and the workload is a lot higher than my 100 level courses. I already completed courses for the semester through virtual learning, which allowed students to partake in several virtual training and seminars with local and foreign institutions of higher learning, as well as the guest lecture series for students seeking to build a career in entrepreneurship. Before the lockdown, I am often found in the university’s library but now I spent most of my time studying through the university’s e-library while also being engaged at home with taking care of domestic chores. Students’ life in Skyline is filled with studies, seminars, social events like Fresher’s party, etc”. “Acquiring a degree is not the only aspect of a students’ life that is important. It is important to have fun too. I find that going to the university’s sports complex, recreational zones and partaking in social events, has helped me to relax after a long day of taking lectures”. “Once the week has started, there is no better way for me to start the weekend other than spending time with friends at the student’s clubs. Each week, there is always something different to do. Either in Orators club, the Programmemers club, etc. but my favourite place to be after a long day of lectures is the recreational zone. Apart from soft background music and relaxation spot, the zone is also filled with nonstop activities from video games, snooker, table tennis, fussball etc which usually ends with plenty of laughs and excitement”. “Saturdays are my planning days. I like to plan my schedule for the coming week and write new weekly goals, things I would like to accomplish for at least the semester. I normally take care of my assignments, follow-up on things I haven’t completed in the previous week”. “For me, each week is different, there is always something happening in the university, from training to boost my career skills, students club competition, academic excursion, workshops, seminars or sports competitions. I am always open to try new things and go to different events each week. I love the university campus environment, the trees and green grasses make spending time on campus worthwhile”.

While the Coronavirus Pandemic may have caused many Public and Private institutions of higher learning to close in Nigeria and the World at large, it has been an inspiring journey to see the level of creativity and dedication that Skyline University Nigeria’s Library have shown in the steps to continue service to its academic community beyond the four walls of the University’s library. The library has expanded access to e-resources such as e-Books, e-Journals, Video clips etc) In a statement, during the University’s live Webinar in collaboration with the National Digital Library of India (NDLI) organized to improve e-library opportunities and awareness in a global platform, to increase consumer education around information and resources as well as to develop community partnerships to broaden the scope of the e-library, the Head Librarian of Skyline University Nigeria, Mr. Kabiru Danladi Garba CLN, stated that e-library has improved the University’s resilient for post COVID-19 World. “As Librarians, we have tried to eliminate the situation where library services will be missing amongst the community. We have appropriated in the short and long term to adapt to boosting our digital space and resources to make it available to our community and our partners. We will continue to seek out ways to meet the needs of our users for overcoming the isolation effects of the present moment” He added. He also affirmed that SUN’s Library collaboration with the National Digital Library of India has established the University’s library as one of the largest online learning platforms. A premier gateway to over 48 million e-resources for which 35 million e-resources are free for use and knowledge products across disciplines. “We believe that the role of e-libraries extends beyond providing access to content. We also raise awareness about intellectual property rights, support the preservation of cultural heritage and ensure that disadvantaged groups enjoy the fairness of access”, He stated. Mr. Kabiru, who outlines some of the features of e-library such as the absence of physical boundary, access to information 24/7, information retrieval, preservation and conservation, added value and easy accessibility, acknowledges that the world is in uncertain times but with creativity and dedication to our libraries users, there can be a bright spot in research in which we can glimpse a better future.  “We have engaged our Faculty, Staff and Students with e-contents and e-learning opportunities to assist them to continue their research and studies uninterrupted through virtual learning so that patrons can continue to read and learn without disruption. Indeed, as the demand for credible e-resources surges, Skyline University Nigeria will emerge as vital pathways to high-quality e-books, e-journals and other e-content. To give direct access to information resources in a structured manner and thus to link information technology, education and culture in contemporary library service”, Mr. Kabiru said