Seven teams of 200 level students of the Information and Communication Department of Skyline University Nigeria have unveiled for the first time, a standalone wireless application intended for COVID 19 self-assessment. While taking into account the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC's) protocols, the Self-assessment software, designed in English and Hausa languages was presented at the recent social problem-solving competition amongst the ICT students, on Friday, 11th December 2020 at the Computer Laboratory of the university.
The competition with the theme, ‘COVID-19 Wireless Self-Assessment Software for Rural Areas in Nigeria’ was part of the university's vision to increase the level of the involvement of students in creating remarkable tools that will be of greater impact to the society. Members of the competing teams have also featured significantly in other project and competitions being hosted by the university to develop the students' practical skills and involvement in solving societal issues.
Dr Ahmed Abba Haruna, FHEA, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of ICT, Founder of SUN IT Hub (IT Club) and the supervisor of the project, while presenting the competing students, asserted that the software was developed in view of the current challenges of COVID 19 in the world, particularly to help aid self-assessment in the rural areas in Nigeria due to lack of network access for the local people to get the current web-based COVID 19 self-assessment provided by the NCDC.
He challenged the competing teams and other students present to constantly set goals and be accountable to such goals, which he said had become a global hallmark of every successful individual. “The opportunity which this new session brings is one that will open the minds of the student to come up with creative solutions to solving societal problems”. Dr. Ahmed thanked the management, as well as other staff of the University for supporting the students to learn and develop new life skills, leadership traits and contribute to the betterment of the world.
Earlier in his remarks, Professor Sudhakar Kota, the Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria, stated that the competition is keen for improvement amongst students to drive innovative and creative minds. “We are becoming a rallying point for Africa's creative community and a channel for the rest of the world to learn, experience and connect with”. Prof. Kota stated.
The competition was witnessed by the members of staff of the university, Faculties, SUN management, Students as well as the special guest, Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alh. Nasiru Yusuf-Gawuna, being represented by Dr. Mustapher Yusuf Gawuna, SSA Admin to the Deputy Governor of Kano State.
