Skyline University Nigeria

The History of Global Pandemics

An endemic disease is a disease that is always present in a certain population or region. One of the most talked-about endemic diseases is malaria. An epidemic is the rapid spread of disease to a large number of people in a given population within a short period of time, for example, meningococcal infections. Whereas, a pandemic is an epidemic of disease that has spread across a large region, for instance, multiple continents or worldwide, affecting a substantial number of people. A disease or condition is not a pandemic merely because it is widespread or kills many people; it must also be infectious, for example, COVID-19 [1]. In the realm of infectious diseases, a pandemic is a worst-case scenario. When an epidemic spreads beyond a country’s borders, that’s when the disease officially becomes a pandemic. Communicable diseases existed during humankind’s hunter-gatherer days, but the shift to agrarian life 12,000 years ago created communities that made epidemics more possible. Malaria, tuberculosis, leprosy, influenza, smallpox, and others first appeared during this period [2]. Throughout history, there have been several pandemics such as smallpox and tuberculosis. The most fatal pandemic recorded in human history was the Black Death (Plague), which killed an estimated 75 – 200 million people in the 14th century. Other notable pandemics include the 1918 influenza pandemic (Spanish flu) and the 2009 influenza pandemic (H1N1). Current pandemics include HIV/AIDS and the 2019 – 20 coronavirus pandemic [1]. A major global pandemic that has occurred over time is listed below [3]. Throughout history, nothing has killed more human beings than infectious diseases [4]. It is generally zoonoses such as influenza and tuberculosis which constitute most of the widespread outbreaks, resulting from the domestication of animals. There have been a number of particularly significant epidemics that deserve mention above the “mere” destruction of cities. The first recorded outbreak of bubonic plague started in Egypt and reached Constantinople (now known as Istanbul) the following spring, killing (according to the Byzantine chronicler Procopius) 10,000 a day at its height, and perhaps 40% of the city’s inhabitants. The plague went on to eliminate a quarter to half the human population of the known world. It caused Europe’s population to drop by around 50% between 550 AD and 700 AD [1]. This was the only instance in the history of human civilization that the global population growth showed a declining trend (Figure 1). Eight hundred years after the last outbreak, the plague returned to Europe. Starting in Asia, the disease reached the Mediterranean and western Europe in 1348 (possibly from Italian merchants fleeing fighting in Crimea), and killed an estimated 20 to 30 million Europeans in six years; a third of the total population, and up to a half in the worst-affected urban areas. The third plague pandemic (1855-85) started in China and spread into India, where 10-12 million people died. Figure – 1 The “Spanish flu”, 1918 – 1919. First identified early in March 1918 in U.S. troops training at Camp Funston, Kansas. By October 1918, it had spread to become a worldwide pandemic on all continents, and eventually infected about one-third of the world’s population (or ≈500 million people). Unusually deadly and virulent, it ended almost as quickly as it began, vanishing completely within 18 months. Within six months, some 50 million people were dead [1]. The “Asian Flu” of 1957 – 58, an H2N2 virus first identified in China in late February 1957. It caused about two million deaths globally. The “Hong Kong Flu”, 1968 – 69, an H3N2 virus first detected in Hong Kong in early 1968 and spread across the world, lasting until 1972. This pandemic killed approximately one million people worldwide. The “Swine Flu”, 2009 – 10, an H1N1 virus first detected in Mexico in early 2009. Estimates for the mortality of this pandemic range from 150 to 200 thousand. HIV/AIDS, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is considered by some scientists a global pandemic. However, the WHO currently uses the term ‘global epidemic’ to describe HIV. As of 2018, approximately 37.9 million people are infected with HIV globally. There were about 770,000 deaths from AIDS in 2018 [5]. Likewise, Hepatitis B is another global pandemic that no one talks about, yet one in three people worldwide has been infected. In 2013, hepatitis B and C together was the seventh-leading cause of death worldwide, with hepatitis B causing 780,000 deaths annually. Why pandemic does happen? Pandemic diseases is not a new phenomenon, it existed from the time when humans first settled down and started farming. Gradually, over thousands of years, the human population grow slowly and steadily. The first recorded pandemic was typhoid fever (430 to 426 BCE), it killed a quarter of the Athenian troops and a quarter of the population. This disease fatally weakened the dominance of Athens, but the sheer virulence of the disease prevented its wider spread. Within a space of a few hundred years, the earth has been regularly ravaged with devastating pandemics. Pandemics have a special significance in biology, it plays an important role in the process of evolution. According to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, only the fittest individuals will survive. It is not the most strongest of the species, nor the most intelligent that will survive. It is the one that has the best genes which will allow them to adapt to the various challenges thrown at them by nature. The laws of nature are such that no one species can dominate. Moreover, with the regular pandemic, the human population is kept under check so there is no overcrowding. However, in the past 3 centuries, the world population has risen rapidly, primarily as a result of the decline in child mortality, improvement in sanitation, and advancement in modern medicine that followed the industrial revolution. As a results, we now understand the various pathogens involved in dreaded diseases better and have successfully developed antidote (vaccines) against them. Some of the pathogens like smallpox virus and poliovirus has been completely eradicated from this world. No doubt

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Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) Holds a 5-day E-Workshop For Pre-varsity Schools

Skyline University Nigeria (SUN), the first private university in Northwest Nigeria in collaboration with her sister university, Skyline University, Sharjah, has organized a 5-day e-workshop for private pre-varsity schools in North East region of Nigeria. The workshop is designed to support the future of work from home, enhance work-life balance during tough times as well as demonstrate the importance of machine learning amongst participants. The 5-day e-workshop which was tagged ‘Reboot Training’ kicked off on Tuesday, 5th to 9th May 2020 and featured participants from all sections of secondary schools. The workshop was divided into two groups and conducted by thirteen foreign-trained professors from Sharjah. The first presentation was made by Dr. Ramakrishna, Dr. Taleb and Dr. Abdul Salam who spoke on remote working environment, benefits and challenges as well as technical issues related to remote working environment in group A. The second presentation was made by Dr. Kakul Agha, who spoke on ‘work from home & enhancing work-life balance during tough times’. The third presentation was on Machine Learning by Dr. Taher Ghazal and Dr. Manas Pradhan who unveiled Artificial Intelligence (AI) analysis for all participants in group B, amongst other instructors. In his presentation at the e-workshop, one of the instructors, Dr. Manas, described Artificial Intelligence as the ability of a computer or robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings. Dr. Manas, who is an expert in molecular Computing, Software Engineering, Business Analytics, Data mining, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning etc, said AI is changing the world of businesses. Delivering a paper titled, ‘Virtual team management and Leadership’, Dr. Petr said that virtual learning is synonymous to regular class teaching methodologist in many aspects, adding that the world is beginning to adapt the methods of virtual learning with not more than 250 participants. “Soon, group of individuals who work together from different geographic locations will rely on communication technology such as email, skype, Microsoft teams, zoom etc. services to collaborate and reach achievable heights”, he asserted. While positing that secondary/primary schools, higher institutions, all have roles to play concerning future information technology trends amongst students, Dr. Abdul Salam who delivered training on ‘technology issues related to remote working environment’ said that the workshop would provide methods, technologies and skills needed to make meaningful impact in the educational industry. He averred that schools must give rooms for change for students to be globally competitive. While giving his opening remark, the workshop convener and Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria, Professor Sudhakar Kota stated that the workshop aimed to empower the Proprietors/ Administrators of secondary schools in Kano in solution strategies, given the present global epidemic, Covid-19. In his words, “In this time of isolation, connecting for mutual benefit was the first step Skyline has taken in empowering the Proprietors of the schools”. Professor Kota added that the workshop would enable participants to take full initiatives of activities such as this to build a strong learning outcome cutting across different disciplines amongst the teachers and students of their respective schools. Thus, making the secondary schools have access to first-hand information about workshops and training in Skyline University Nigeria. The weeklong workshop which had an attendant of over 100 participants, attracted lots of positive feedback from participants. Giving her appreciation on behalf of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Nigeria, Hajiya Maryam Magaji, (Deputy National President) wrote, “We want to appreciate your effort for organizing such an educative, inspiring and innovative Programme. May Almighty Allah reward you bountifully. We also  wish the next Programme would cover the entire nation, Thanks!” Hon. Aliyu Rabiu Kurfi of Danmasani International, Katsina and the President of North West Region (NAPPS), agreed that the e-workshop was every step a real educational fun and ‘food for thoughts’ for all participants. He said “Each of the lessons commenced with stress-mitigating teasers to establish good rapport among the fairly distant ‘strange online bedfellows’. It was a wow-series of competent, resourceful, approachable, communicative, distant learner-centric, patient and often humorous professionals. Our appreciation knows no bounds to the organizers and facilitators of the Programmeme. We say a very special Thank You for the Programmeme, as we look forward in anticipation of more and more ala the Oliver Twist. Congratulations!!!” Another participant, Mr. Samuel Adejoh, the Principal of Asha International School, Kano, said that “The online training was a wonderful experience, characterized with learning of new ideas… I believe Skyline University Nigeria, have created a path of new online discoveries for other academic institutions to follow. I am grateful to be exposed to such an experience. The topics raised in the training are so relevant to 21st Century learning and leadership. The seminar was timely and necessary for school owners and administrators. The thought of using the Microsoft Team App was unique instead of the usual Zoom Cloud App adopted by many for online seminars. God bless you!” Damilola Ajala, from Tots Academy, Abuja described the online seminar as a good initiative. As she puts it, “First of all, it was my first time knowing about the Microsoft Team and I discovered it is a very good meeting app. I joined from day one and logging in wasn’t difficult at all. I particularly will comment on Dr Sharon, Dr Tariq and Dr Manas (Introduction to Machine Learning). Their teaching was very simplified, explicit and interactive. Mr Tauqeer on Excel Training made me go back to embracing excel (Couldn’t imagine someone could teach Excel online as he did). Great job to them and every other speaker. Mr. Lawan Sayyadi of Shubla Academy, who was happy to participate in the Programmeme said “The Programme has been refreshing, educating, exciting and interacting. I’m sure most of the participants did enjoy it and benefitted from it. We look forward to more of it through the synergy of SUN and NAPPS.” According to Ms. Salamatu Garba, proprietor of Wofan Comprehensive School Kano, a participant at the e-workshop, “the Programmeme was a way forward to re-organizing ones’ priorities to factor in a home working

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Will Covid-19 Affect your Undergraduate Application at Skyline University Nigeria (SUN)?

After the closure of schools across the world, following the rapid spread of the Covid-19 outbreak, you may be worried about what universities and colleges are doing about your undergraduate application. You want to know if the coronavirus has foiled your plans of becoming a future student at Skyline University Nigeria, how the university is responding, how virtual learning is being received by current students, what the university is doing about your admission etc. while the end of Covid-19 pandemic remains uncertain. Skyline University Nigeria is as much affected by the situation as are the students, but, we are adjusting the application and enrolment process to suit the current situation, to fit the changes in the virtual learning schedule. We urge you to continue going through our application process through our online application platform. Skyline University Nigeria would like to reassure applicants that a lockdown is not the end of academic activities in the university. The university’s management has continued to accept applications for degree Programmemes into the October 2020 intake. While the full extent of the lockdown, you can find the latest news about undergraduate application/admission in Skyline University Nigeria on our website @sun.edu.ng and social media handles @SkylineUniversityNG (Facebook) and @SkylineUNigeria (Twitter). Besides, we are now accepting the undergraduate application as well as IJMB result for Direct Entry admission. Although the current situation is not very great at the moment, the university’s management would like to encourage applicants to keep their eyes on the prize and not give up on their education. If you’ve written the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination this year, it means you’ve already started your application process. We are working hard from home to ensure your admission remained secured. So, yes, it’s good to know that we are still accepting applications from students at this time. We advise you to make good use of your time staying at home by doing your research thoroughly about Skyline University Nigeria, accessing your application options via the university online platform. While this process is ongoing, you should also not give up on your personal development. There are lots of online short training to keep you learning and help you manage your time studying at home.

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How Virtual Learning Has Supported Digital Transformation amongst Students of Skyline University Nigeria

As the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic became unavoidably clear, first, in line with the health experts’ directives, Institution of higher learning, Secondary and Primary schools as well as other business environment were permitted to observe social distancing. Secondly, the National Universities Commission (NUC) issued a circular for all Nigerian Universities to suspend classes. Skyline University Nigeria had suspended classes and declared that second semester will be completed online via online virtual learning platform, engaging students with technology-mediated learning on an unprecedented scale. This shift in operations in the university forced widespread training on faculty, non-faculty as well as students to be ready for the digital world around the new idea. Professors, in particular, sought to rethink their classes for virtual learning, an indication that the crisis is going to transform many aspects of life, including the educational sector. As this crisis-driven experience launches in Skyline University Nigeria, the university’s management has been collecting data and paying attention to how virtual learning has helped to improve the students of the university in all respect. The potential for the university to provide innovative learning approaches such as virtual learning is already being widely explored by the students of the university in both traditional and non-traditional educational settings. There are potential benefits of virtual learning technologies amongst students of the university which meets the expectations of the diverse student’s body, challenging students’ in this global age. Virtual learning at Skyline University Nigeria is carried out through online, web-based training and technology, allowing interactions and encounters with other participants and providing access to a wide range of resources, customized for education expected to have a greater focus on meeting students expectations, widening students’ participation in ICT, which in turn has necessitated the development of lifelong learning skills for students of the university. In terms of students competencies, students of Skyline University Nigeria is already aware of what it entails to motivate their learning instinct because of the robust supports provided to the students such as ICT implemented technologies, sufficient training on the virtual learning technologies, learning support materials, etc. Students’ engagement in virtual learning has therefore complemented the efforts of the lecturers at SUN, acquiring practical skills and learning to solve complex academic problems. Based on testimonials gathered from students on the virtual learning experience, virtual learning has increase their skills in ICT, that will allow participation in the global platform which is vital for sustaining students’ competitiveness. The awareness of virtual learning amongst the students of the university has determined to a greater extent, more flexible learners who are problem solvers and who can contribute positively in improving the way things are done in the country and other nations of the world. Students already possessed sophisticated knowledge of Digital skills with information-based technologies. Virtual learning has become an integral part of learning in Skyline University Nigeria equipping student’s with the necessary skills and knowledge to foster the growth of flexible, creative and lifelong learners.

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How to Gain Direct Entry Admission into Skyline University Nigeria through the IJMB

Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) became the official study centre for the Interim Joint Matriculation Board Institute of Education (IJMB), Programmeme on 15th of April 2020. The IJMB is an Advanced level Programmeme moderated by the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Kaduna State, with various partnering accredited centres and Institutions nationwide. What is most interesting about the institution’s study centre is that SUN also accepts the IJMB result for Direct Entry admission into 200 level.

ADVANTAGE OF IJMB:

1. It’s a Federal Government approved Programmeme, certified by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

2. IJMB candidates are expected to select any three (3) A/Level IJMB subjects combination related to their preferred course of study at the university

3. The IJMB Programmeme is completed within 9-12 months. Upon successful completion of the Programmeme, candidates can secure Direct Entry admission into Skyline University Nigeria.

4. Candidates are expected to obtain 5-8 points out of a total of 15 points to be eligible for the university’s admission.

5. Unlike JAMB and Post UTME that expire every year, The IJMB result has no expiration date, so you don’t border about rewriting any exam as far as IJMB is concerned.

6. Awaiting Result aspirants can equally apply.

The IJMB Programmeme is suitable for students intending to pursue higher education but were either denied admission due to failure to pass JAMB examination amongst many other reasons associated with securing undergraduate admission. Interested IJMB Candidates are expected to select any three (3) A/Level IJMB subjects combination related to their preferred course of study at the university. Note that all course are offered in IJMB.

While the IJMB has its benefits as stated above, taking the IJMB at Skyline University Nigeria has its many benefits. Apart from gaining Direct Entry admission into 200 level, the university has made available, all the necessary facilities to make study easy and flexible, with capable hands for each course. Security is not a problem because the university campus is well secured. With our multicultural best practices, we assure candidates an international exposure and best learning experience.

Candidates who have secured admission into the SUN IJMB Programmeme, therefore, must satisfy all the requirement expected to gain Direct Entry admission into the University’s undergraduate degree Programmeme. He/she is expected to obtain 5-8 points out of a total of 15 points to be eligible for the university’s admission. Registration for admission into SUN IJMB centre will be updated shortly. Follow this page to know more about the SUN IJMB accredited study centre.

Candidates who have secured admission into the SUN IJMB Programmeme, therefore, must satisfy all the requirement expected to gain Direct Entry admission into the University’s undergraduate degree Programmeme. He/she is expected to obtain 5-8 points out of a total of 15 points to be eligible for the university’s admission.

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Know More about the ACCA Qualification in Skyline University Nigeria

For professional success in the domain of accounting and management courses, Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) has endorsed the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) as a must-have, to enable students to gain diverse and complex advanced accountancy concepts. The ACCA is ideal for students looking to gain an additional qualification and become a chartered accountant, or work in the accountancy, audit or tax firm.

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Career Opportunities in Mass Communication

When we read newspapers, magazines, listen to Radio or watch T.V. This would be called ‘Mass Communication’ meaning ‘as the message is reached to the masses through different media. Mass communication is, therefore, the term used to describe the academic study of various means by which individuals and entities relay information to large segments of the population all at once through mass media. Mass Communication profession has become so highly demanding; the request for its services has continued to increase in demand by the developed and underdeveloped countries most especially in the area of Journalism, broadcasting and Media Technology such as Film Media. It is often said that a prospective student of Mass Communication needs to look good (be beautiful or handsome) to thrive in TV broadcast; or has to have a melodious voice to thrive in Radio broadcast, or has to have an exceptional writing skill to thrive in print media; The truth of the profession is that career in Mass Communication is much beyond what is obtainable with these qualities mentioned. In the broadcast, for example, a prospective student can look up for opportunities in news casting, news reporting, Programme anchoring, editing and a couple of other things. Likewise in the print media, a prospective student can look up for opportunities in reporting, beat reporting, roving reporting, proofreading, desk editing and a couple of other things. Even outside the traditional journalism, a prospective student can develop a career doing a couple of things including blogging, Public Relations Practice, Communication design and Campaign Management as well as Independent Photojournalism. All these are possible with a well-focused academic training and self-determination on the part of the student. In Journalism, for example, Print and Broadcast Journalism practice is the most traditional career path one can trail after studying Mass Communication. This is a broad term that encompasses so many things. To start with, journalism in its very conservative form consists of broadcast and print. In both branches, one can aspire to be a reporter, a proof-reader, an editor or a reviewer. One can aspire to be a newspaper columnist or a newscaster in the broadcast journalism in both TV and Radio. The practice of Public Relation (PR) is the business of creating, sustaining and promoting good mental image for public and private organizations. This career path can be trailed in two different forms. One has the option of working as an employee of an organization for which he practices PR. The other option is to work for PR firm to practice PR as a consultant to other organizations. Whichever way, PR practitioner will have to work hand-in-hand with journalists who are in the field. He would want to influence some positive media attention to his client. Independent Photojournalism, Press Secretaryship, Information Officer of an organization, a blogger, lecturing jobs are other career opportunities in Mass Communication. A professional course in Mass Communication opens doors for a career in Films & TV, Publishing, Public Relations, Journalism, Editing, Direction, Film-Making, Script-Writing, Production, Fashion Photographer, Cinematographer, Film Director, TV Correspondent, Producer, Radio Jockey/ RJ, Screenwriter, Sound Engineer, Sound Mixer and Sound Recorders, Special Correspondent, Art Director, Editor, Event manager etc. Conclusion It should be noted that the most important thing in the study of Mass Communication is not the opportunities offered by the profession; it is rather the human being who will grab those opportunities. In which case, to shoulder responsibility properly, one is required to train to master the technical ‘know-how’ of media profession while in the undergraduate journey, one is also required to have an in-depth understanding of the society within the context of its norms, traditions and values. Understanding the law of the land is of equal importance. Finally, candidates who are interested to get into news media should have a keen interest and sound knowledge of news and current affairs. A global perspective on various issues helps candidates in obtaining the position of reporter or journalist. Similarly, those who are interested in electronic media are required to have practical knowledge of video editing offered in most institutions of higher learning where Mass communication is thought, particularly offering internship Programmes with news channels, radio stations etc. before the completion of the Programmeme. REFERENCES U.S BLS (2013). “Gross job gains 7.6 million and gross job losses 6.5 million in the 4th quarter of 2014.” http://www.bls.gov/. Retrieved date, November 23, 2014. Rabiu, M.S. (2013). The World of News: Career Prospects in Journalism and Mass Communication. Ibadan: Stirling-Horden Publishers Limited. Rabiu, M.S. (2014). Journalistic Skills for Professional Excellence. Ibadan: Stirling- Horden Publishers Limited.   You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria

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How to maximize your time amidst COVID-19

With the normal routine gone and family need to stay indoors due to lockdown, it is becoming more difficult to find creative ways to maximize one’s time. While many parents are trying to control the urge not to scream at disturbing children under these circumstance others have found quite interesting ways to maximize their time. Here are some tips to keep your mind sane amidst COVID-19 lockdown.

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Skyline University Nigeria, Approved Centre for Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) Programmemes

A letter from the Interim Joint Matriculation Board Institute of Education (IJMB), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has expressed satisfaction with the quality of facilities available at Skyline University Nigeria to admit and manage Programmemes in the in IJMB. The IJMB Programmeme is primarily designed to provide an opportunity for candidates who missed out on University Admission to normal degree Programmemes in Nigerian tertiary education.

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Skyline University Nigeria Awarded Silver Learning Partner with ACCA

Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) in a bid to assert her status as the University with the most trained graduates in advanced business and managerial skills, was awarded a silver learning partner status, by the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA), the global body of professional accountants. This partnership permits SUN to conduct accounting courses for the students and professionals in accounting to acquire professional certification along with their degree Programme.

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