Ike Neliaku, president of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), says Nigeria will soon establish the world’s first public relations and leadership university.

Mr Neliaku said this at the 2024 annual conference organised by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the NIPR on Thursday in Abuja. The conference is with the theme, “Leadership and Economy Transformation’’.

The NIPR boss said the vision was to train the next generation of leaders in Nigeria, having noticed the communication gap between leadership and fellowship.

“We have seen nations, those who understand the value of communication and take it very seriously. That is why they look for experts in communication to guide them, be beside them, direct them and communicate with them.

“It is for this reason that the governing council of this institute decided to establish the Public Relations and Leadership University in Nigeria,” he said.

He said the Nasarawa State government had already decided to partner with the institute to ensure the success of the plan, which had already been approved by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication management.

“Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State is willing and happy to give us land; give us the support that is required to ensure that the institute is built.

“I am happy to announce that this university has already been accepted by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management.

“That is the platform of 126 countries and organisations who are practising public relations,” he said.

According to him, this is the first of its kind in the world.

“There is no other place with a university of public relations, and I can assure you that graduates from this university will be recognised in 126 countries across the world,” he said.

Muhammadu Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment, said the government highly recommended the NIPR’s mission of creating a positive narrative of professionalism and excellence among its members.

“I wish to note that the institute has been at the forefront of shaping the communication terrain and elevating the standard of public relations practice in Nigeria.

“It is, thereby, creating a conducive environment for advancing unbiased dissemination of information and contributing immensely to Nigeria’s socio-economic activities, ” he said.

Stanley Ogadigo, chairman of the NIPR, FCT chapter, said leadership was a vital instrument to address Nigeria’s present economic challenges, hence the theme and call for the gathering to discuss ways forward.

(NAN)