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The Vice-Chancellor and management of Skyline Univerisity Nigeria (SUN) have received a Media Trust Group delegation on a courtesy visit. The team visited the university to see areas of collaboration and commend the management of its continuous patronage. In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of SUN Prof. Ajith Kumar V. V. appreciated the delegation for their continuous support towards the institution. He said Daily Trust Newspaper was among the national dailies that he preferred since he came to Kano 3 years ago. The Vice-Chancellor also applauded the Media Trust Group – Daily Trust, Aminiya, Trust TV, Trust Radio and Trust Digital for supporting the Mass Communication Department at SUN with highly resourceful industry professionals. He said the professionals have been instrumental in providing students with first-hand experiences during the Guest Lecture Series that the university organizes for them. Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, the Group CEO of Media Trust Group said the purpose of their visit was to strengthen the company’s ties with SUN and explore more areas of collaboration. He added that the company has so many initiatives that can support SUN to achieve its desired objectives. He highlighted that Media Group can ably unveil creative students on their Teen Trust and Daily Trust. He lauded the institution’s efforts in supporting students with activities on financial inclusion which will enable youths to be familiar with business opportunities before graduation. Mr. Gwarzo expressed his satisfaction with the academic environment at SUN which he said was comfortable for learning and distinguishing academic journey. He said the Media Trust Group is willing to support students with industry experience to motivate them whenever they are needed. The Vice-Chancellor thanked the team for the visit and promised to efficiently utilize the opportunities suggested by the team. You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria  

The faculty staff of Skyline University Nigeria have visited Kurmawa Correctional Centre Kano Command as part of their community service Programme. Their visit was to conduct training for inmates on Stress Management and to provide support and valuable knowledge to help the inmates cope with the challenges of stress. The training was curated and delivered by Mr. Trimisiyu Lawal from the Department of Economics, Dr. Aminu Ibrahim from the Department of Physiotherapy, and Dr. Nasir Abdullahi  Department of Nursing to over 200 inmates. The SUN team was warmly welcomed by the Deputy Controller of Correctional, DCC Muazu Tukur. He gave an introductory briefing and lauded the management of SUN for supporting the Kurmawa Correctional Centre Kano Command through the wonderful initiative. Mr. Lawal commenced the session with a careful introduction to stress, its causes and possible ways to tackle it in English Language. He said managing stress is extremely important for the inmates especially due to their past realities. He also enumerated the necessity of equipping the inmates with practical techniques of stress management which they can implement, to cope with the challenges they face within the correctional facility. In his part, Dr. Abdullahi applauded the management of Kurmawa Correctional Centre Kano Command, for their keen anticipation and warm reception. As a professional psychiatric nurse, he said stress is associated with life-threatening ailments such as insomnia, depression and hypertension among others. He advised the inmates to be in total control of their emotions and take necessary steps such as simple exercises and interpersonal communication with fellows during his presentation in English Language. While presenting his part in Hausa Language, Dr. Ibrahim highlighted the importance of understanding the causes, symptoms, solutions and impact of stress particularly on the inmates. He stated that extreme cases of stress could lead to suicide if not managed effectively. He said he was absolutely fascinated by the level of understanding they expressed when he chose the Hausa Language to explain the concepts vividly. Dr. Ibrahim then thanked the management of the centre and DCC Tukur for easing the process of the training session. He said the team would convey the areas of collaboration highlighted by the management, particularly in ICT, Education and soft skills training. DCC Tukur sincerely appreciated the management of SUN for organizing the session for the inmates and is looking forward to future engagements.   You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria

The management of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) has recently conducted a Strategy Summit to enable staff to engage with one another and unveil areas of more collaboration, effective communication and team. The Summit, which was held at Bristol Palace Hotel in Kano State, was also organized to present activities that have happened during the last academic year by each department at the university. The Pro. Chancellor of SUN Mr. Nitin Anand who chaired the event, stated the importance of such gatherings as an avenue for the identification of a common goal, understanding and bonding for the institution’s staff. He highlighted that the congregation would definitely allow for the realization of the institution’s goals and objectives while charging the staff to be highly dedicated. In his presentation, the Vice-Chancellor of SUN Prof. Ajith Kumar V.V. said the university has achieved a great milestone during the academic year 2022/2023. Some of the notable milestones he highlighted included The NUC accreditation for additional courses, the marticulation ceremony, over 22 guest lecture series held for students, and some students of SUN emerging first and second runner-ups in the Tie MENA competition, among others. The Vice-Chancellor charged the staff to take responsibility and ownership of delivering tasks efficiently as well as be supportive of each other. He also charged the faculty to apply new methods of teaching so as to expose students to global standards of learning. The Director of Marketing (DOMC), Mr. Abubakar Sadiq Ismail who also presented during the strategy summit, said the past academic year has been quite eventful for the marketing department at SUN. He said the department anticipates more prosperous years ahead. The Director of Academic Support Services (DASS), Ms. Sarada Maganti while presenting her paper stated that loyalty and trust are two important elements that can strengthen collaboration in task delivery in the institution. She advised the staff to communicate effectively to ensure that services are rightly delivered to the students and stakeholders. Other key personalities that spoke during the event include the Dean of the School of Science and Information Technology (SSIT) Dr. A. Senthil Kumar, the Dean of the School of Social and Management Sciences (SAMSS) Dr. Sudha Mavuri, the Dean of the School of Basic Medical Sciences (SBMS) Dr. Isa Lawal, as well as representatives from Corporate Affairs and Centre for Continuing Learning (CCL). You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria

The Students Service Department of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) has organized a Professional Skill Development Programme (PSDP) for the level 100 students currently taking their second semester at the campus. The session was organized to inculcate useful values in students that will help them have a fruitful stay at the university. Mr. Trimisiyu Lawal from the Department of Economics and Dr. Nasiru Abdullahi from the Department of Nursing at SUN lectured the students on the essential skills that would support their careers at the institution. While delivering his lecture titled ‘General Etiquettes and Team Work’, Mr. Lawal emphasized the importance of etiquettes as effective for achieving goals, maintaining relationships and building networks throughout tertiary education. He states, “Politeness will enable your success as students. Attitude plays a critical role in learning and that is transferable to what you are likely going to do after school”. He explained that these basic attitudes are critical for a successful higher education career. He adds that social norms guide our behaviors in certain ways and etiquette promotes teamwork. And, students have to restrict themselves from using derogatory or unbefitting words. With derogatory statements, no fruitful exercise will hold. The knowledge of these etiquettes applies to all kinds of engagements including classroom relationships. Mr. Lawal highlighted some useful etiquette for the students such as clear and concise communication, mutual respect, resolving conflicts promptly and recognizing achievements among others. In his lecture, ‘Survival Skills in a Tertiary Institution’, Dr. Abdullahi explained that higher education has numerous challenges. There are a range of skills and activities that will help students overcome what they will face. Some of the basic skills that are vital for students to succeed in their learning at the tertiary institution include class attendance, taking notes, the two-hour study rule, and keeping track of your progress, among others. Some students who attended the session expressed their satisfaction with the overall Programme and hope to apply all they have learnt.  You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria

Aliyu Atiku, a level 200 student from the Department of International Relations at Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) has unveiled his Online Food Products Delivery Application. The application called AM Jannah Enterprises is one that can be utilized to order products such as milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, beef, fish and Chicken among a variety of food products. While presenting his speech during the event, the Vice-Chancellor of SUN Prof. Ajith Kumar V.V. said the idea of the business is quite innovative. To Aliyu, the VC said, “Your challenge starts now. This is because sustainability is difficult and there are a lot of challenges that are bound to disrupt entrepreneurship activities”.  The VC also encouraged Aliyu to explore opportunities provided by government agencies and other organizations that have schemes for start-up businesses like his. He highlighted the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) as one of those agencies that are doing really well in supporting youths in business development and expansion. In her remarks, the Dean of the School of Management and Social Sciences (SAMSS) Dr. Sudha Mavuri congratulated Aliyu. She said his achievement is monumental for SUN and the University’s Centre for Excellence. According to one of his mentors, Prof. Sanjoy Kumar Pal, the university is now awaiting a positive response of progress from Aliyu after a few years of his business. Aliyu thanked the VC, Deans, HODs and all the staff of Skyline University Nigeria for supporting him until he realized his dream. You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria        

Industrial Training Fund (ITF) officials have paid a courtesy visit to the management of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN). The visit was to enable familiarity and discuss more areas of collaboration between the university and ITF.  In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN), Prof. Ajith Kumar V. V., said the management was excited to receive the ITF officials. He said their visit came at a strategic time for the university, as it crosses over 5 years of establishment. The institution is continuously incorporating recent global trends in technology and innovation in teaching and learning, he said.   He added that the university currently has 174 students on the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) spread across 11 states in Nigeria including the F.C.T. He also said that the students have been rightly placed in several organizations to learn the necessary skills that would support their distinctive careers.  On his part, Mr. Abba Ibrahim Wada, the Head of Training at the ITF office in Kano State said their visit was to commend the management of SUN, for its unrelenting support in enabling students to have fruitful SIWES experiences as they prepare for future tasks.   Mr. Ibrahim said ITF is pleased to understand that the university is focused on the effective supervision of the students at their various places of work, to make them productive and functional after the completion of their degrees.  The Vice-Chancellor then appreciated ITF for its continuous support towards the development of students’ careers and assured them of the university’s effort to inculcate employability skills in them so that they become job creators and not job seekers. 

Students from Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) girls section have emerged victorious in the Game of Brains quiz organized by Skyline University Nigeria (SUN). The quiz was a part of commemorating World Innovation and Environment Days 2023, by the Centre for Excellence at the University. The 2nd and 3rd positions were claimed by students from Prime College and Crescent International School respectively. All of the positions were determined after an intense three rounds of elimination processes. The quiz was battled by 11 schools in Kano State which were invited by SUN. The quiz competition was organized to showcase the talents of students in business pitching ideas. This was done in order to inculcate the entrepreneurship mindset in them as they are at the stage of goal and career development. In her speech, the Director of Academic Support Service (DASS), Ms. Sarada Maganti said the quiz was organized to motivate students to pursue careers in entrepreneurship with vast innovative ideas to support sustainable development around the world. Mr. Anas Aminu Kamfa, the quiz master while congratulating the participants said, that they are all winners despite the fact that only a few were victorious. He appreciated the management of SUN for organizing such an impeccable competition and noted that the university is doing really well in Kano State. One of the participants of the quiz from Government Technical College Kano (GTC), Mahfuz Ibrahim said the competition was quite eventful. He congratulated the participants and encouraged them to learn from the words of Nelson Mandela, who says “I never lose. I either learn or win”. Earlier, SUN organized a Greenathon to unveil sustainable business ideas by Senior Secondary School students as the world continues to fight environmental challenges and climate change’s adverse effects. Finally, trophies and consolation prizes were distributed to the winners and the runners-up of the competition. Also, certificates of participation were given to the students who took part in the quiz. You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria 

Skyline University Nigeria has recently organized a greenathon to celebrate two global notable days – World Innovation Day and World Environment Day 2023. The event was organized to unveil sustainable business ideas from Senior Secondary School students as the world continues to fight environmental challenges and climate change’s adverse effects. Dr. S Senthil Kumar, the Head of Management Department said, “The greenathon was a way to create new ideas and prove talents which is what Skyline University Nigeria does. We have a Centre of Excellence where we can show more eco-friendly projects, waste management and recycling products. It is a way to expand your careers”. The SUN Centre of Excellence organized the event as its maiden edition themed ‘climate change, waste management and renewable resources’. The Greenathon – Green Business Ideas Contest will be an annual event that would be inviting Senior Secondary School students in Kano to design exceptional Business Model Canvas for green business ideas. The models would be to develop sustainability related to green and clean environmental problems. SUN decided to celebrate World Innovation Day slated on April 21st and World Innovation Day on 5th June together, to encourage innovation alongside global demands to address challenges such as energy crises, fossil fuels depletion, waste management, climate change, global warming, environmental pollution and other related issues. The session invited about 15 secondary schools in Kano to participate. After the presentation of business ideas and critical assessment of the pitches, the winners were selected. Aysha Tofa and Khaulat Bebeji, the judges invited, selected the best 3 business ideas based on their wealth of experiences over the years. Ayah Khalil Mosleh, emerged victorious clutching the first prize from Crescent International School. The second position was awarded to Ameena Umar Khalil and Amina Aminu Sani from Prime College. For the third position, Maryam Abubakar from Khadija Memorial College was selected. The judges also appreciated Mahfuz Ibrahim and Usman Nura Abdulkadir from Government Technical College Kano, for their notable presentation during the competition. Aysha and Khaulat were also awarded by the management of SUN for their outstanding achievements in their distinctive fields of endeavour.  

Cancer is defined by the uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells in the body, making them exceed their usual boundaries thereby invading the other body organs. Cancer is ranked second after cardiovascular disease, as the leading cause of death worldwide, with approximately one in six deaths. Infections occur following exposure to certain infectious agents (pathogens) be it bacteria or viruses. As this infection progresses, it may lead to a specific type of cancer. Cancer is characterized by a continual and uncontrolled growth of cells forming a mass of tissue that may spread to other body parts. The progression of certain infections to cancer is mediated through several different mechanisms which include but are not limited to alteration in the normal function of the immune system, inflammation and alteration in the normal function of a gene. Carcinogenic infections mainly caused by viruses and bacteria are known to significantly contribute to the global cancer burden. This is observed predominantly in Africa and other underdeveloped, and developing countries. These infections are regarded as an important cause of cancer and are known to account for 16.1% of all cancer cases globally in the year 2018. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there are 11 infectious agents, otherwise referred to as group 1, which have been implicated as the major causes of infectious cancers. These are viruses; (hepatitis B and C (HBV and HCV) causing liver cancer, human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) causing Adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATL), high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), and their 12 different subtypes (type16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, and 59) causing cervical cancer, human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) causing Kaposi sarcoma “rare cancer of the immune cell, with lesions growing in the mouth, throat, skin, and tissues”, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) “linked with nasopharyngeal cancers, Burkitt and non-Hodgkin lymphoma” and bacteria (Helicobacter pylori causing gastric cancer)  and parasites (Schistosoma haematobium causing bladder squamous cell carcinoma, Clonorchis sinensis causing cancers of biliary duct system “bile ducts and gall bladder”, and Opisthorchis viverrini causing stomach cancer). Cancer accounts for 18.1 million cases annually. In 2018, it is estimated that 9.6 million people died of cancer worldwide. The cases of cancer in Nigeria, sub-Saharan Africa, and other developing countries are worrisome going by the projections that by the year 2030, the developing countries with Nigeria inclusive will account for approximately 70% of all new cancer cases, with approximately 13.1 million mortalities. This is mainly attributed to an increase in life expectancy and population growth, increased prevalence of obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking. In Nigeria, along with other underdeveloped, and developing countries, once a patient is diagnosed with cancer, the high level of fear with which the patient’s family developed, made the populace including the elite class consider it a direct death sentence. This may be attributed to the fact that cancer is deadly, and the burden of the disease is expanding. In Nigeria and other African countries, high cases of mortality due to cancer are contributed to the unprepared nature of most health systems, the high cost of treatment, the absence of healthcare providers in remote villages and towns, and the lack of access to timely and high-quality diagnosis and treatment. Nigeria’s cancer cases are characterized by a high case-fatality ratio. The annual cases of cancer in Nigeria are increasing. According to a study conducted in 2012, Nigeria records approximately 100 000 new cases of cancer per year, with 15% of the total (681,000) cases in Africa. According to new studies conducted in the year 2020, Nigeria records 102,000 new cases annually with approximately 72,000 deaths. Comparing the two estimates, a decreasing trend in overall cancer deaths is observed, and this might not be in connection with the increased level of government intervention, awareness, and the location in which the studies were conducted. Despite the reduction in the death rate, the level remains alarmingly high. Cancer Prevention and Control Strategies By the modification or avoidance of key risk factors, high cancer mortality (30 -50%) can be preventable. More so, the implementation of evidence-based prevention strategies has been found to drastically reduce the burden of most cancers. These include early hospital visits for diagnosis, early detection, and management. Part of the keyway to the prevention of cancers include; regular exercise, safe sex, taking healthy diet, avoiding contact with indoor and urban polluted air, regular, timely, and qualitative health care, treatment of chronic infections, reduced exposure to ultraviolet radiation, effective vaccination against HPV, HBV, and HCV, abstinence or regulated alcohol and tobacco use, and above all living a healthy lifestyle. Reference A. S, E. HS, O. E and L. I., (2017). “Breast cancer mortality in a resource-poor country: A 10-year experience in a tertiary institution,” Sahel Medical Journal, vol. 20, no. 3, p. 93, 2017. C. d. M. Martyn Plummer, J. Vignat, J. Ferlay, F. Bray and S. Franceschi. (2016). “Global burden of cancers attributable to infections in 2012: a synthetic analysis,” Lancet Glob Health, vol. 4, 2016. E. Jedy-Agbaa, M. P. Curado, O. Ogunbiyi, E. Oga, T. Fabowale, F. Igbinoba, G. Osubor, T. Out, H. Kumai, A. Koechlin, P. D. Patience Osinubi, W. Blattner and a. C. A. Adebamowo, (2012). “Cancer Incidence in Nigeria: A Report from Population-based Cancer Registries,” Cancer Epidemiol., vol. 36, no. 5 (e271–e278). Ismail Rabiu is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Microbiology, Skyline University Nigeria (SUN). He holds an M.Sc in Medical Microbiology with a specialization in Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Infectious diseases and is a first-class graduate of Microbiology in Bayero University Kano.  You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria