NIPR Inaugurates Committee for its ‘PR and Leadership University’ Take Off in 2026

NIPR Inaugurates Committee for its ‘PR and Leadership University’ Take Off in 2026

The President and Chairman, Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, on Tuesday in Abuja, inaugurated members of the Project Implementation Committee for the Institute’s “Public Relations and Leadership University”, in Nigeria.

The world-class institution will be the first-ever PR university in the world when ut commences academic activities in 2026.

But PRNigeria reports that the NIPR will, in this month (September 2024), launch its “Public Relations Finishing School” in Nasarawa State.

In his address before inaugurating the committee members, Neliaku, emphasized that public relations is essential for leadership, and leadership, in turn, enhances public relations.

“We believe that to be an effective public relations practitioner or communicator, you must possess leadership qualities. Leadership is both an art and a science, requiring research, just like public relations. So, you cannot separate leadership from communication, nor can you separate communication from leadership.

“Many leaders have done excellent work but remain unrecognized because they are unable to effectively communicate their vision or achievements. This is why we aim to solve this issue—to teach leaders that success depends not only on their vision but on how well they can communicate it,” he said.

According to Neliaku, the implementation committee of their PR and Leadership University is comprised of diverse experts and professionals in both the Nigerian PR industry and academia.

He said: “We have ensured that the project is diverse and inclusive. We have brought in academics and field practitioners to strike a balance between theory and practice. Our goal is to produce the best professionals in public relations, communication, and leadership—leaders who will stand out not only in Nigeria but globally.

“In creating this University, we’ve also faced challenges around location. Two weeks ago, we met with the governor to present our plans. The Governor of Nasarawa State was the first to support our vision and even offered 100 hectares of land. However, there’s also a suggestion that the university should be located in Abuja, the national capital, as it is a national project.

“This brings us to a key term of reference for the Project Implementation Committee. We are committed to Nasarawa State, having made public commitments. But the task of the committee is to help us resolve the marketing challenge that comes with locating the university outside the Federal Capital Territory. Your task is to develop a business plan that ensures the feasibility, viability, and sustainability of the project, with marketing communication as a key component”.