The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) is set to establish Nigeria’s first Public Relations and Leadership University (PRLU), which will also be the world’s inaugural public relations university when it opens its doors in 2026.
The new university aims to enhance accessibility, achieve academic excellence, and promote sustainable leadership. During the inauguration of the Project Implementation Committee, Professor Jerry Gana, former Minister of Information, emphasised the importance of strategic leadership to uphold the institution’s reputation and ensure its long-term success.
Professor Gana highlighted that the university must be easily accessible via multiple transport routes, including highways, railways, and airways, and should be located in a visually appealing setting. He stressed that the university must maintain high academic standards and adopt a zero-tolerance policy for mediocrity.
Gana envisioned the university as a pioneer in public relations education, committed to integrating research and innovation into its mission. He outlined key strategies for developing a world-class institution, including high-quality faculty, rigorous teaching and research benchmarks, and state-of-the-art facilities to foster an innovative research environment.
Dr. Ike Neliaku, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the NIPR, echoed the sentiment that effective public relations and leadership are intertwined. “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,” he noted.
The project implementation committee was praised for their ambitious task of planning a globally competitive university. The NIPR also plans to inaugurate the “Public Relations Finishing School” in Nasarawa State in September 2024.