NIPR SEEKS SYNERGY WITH UNIJOS, PUSHES FOR GREATER PR COLLABORATION

NIPR SEEKS SYNERGY WITH UNIJOS, PUSHES FOR GREATER PR COLLABORATION

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, FBCS, FNCS, has reiterated the commitment of the University to strengthening its partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for enhanced professionalism and effective stakeholder communication.

Professor Ishaya, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Pic Charles Onwochei, stated this when he received a delegation of the NIPR, Plateau State Chapter, on a courtesy visit at the Vice-Chancellor's Boardroom, Senate Building, Naraguta Campus.

Welcoming the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor commended the Institute for sustaining the J.D. Gomwalk Memorial Lecture Series in honour of the late first Military Governor of the defunct Benue-Plateau State. He observed that while it is noble to honour leaders posthumously, society should also cultivate the habit of celebrating individuals who have made meaningful contributions while they are still alive.

Professor Ishaya assured the NIPR that the University Management would give due consideration to its request for stronger collaboration with the University's Information and Publications Unit and for the participation of its members in upcoming professional engagements.

He further disclosed that Management is considering upgrading the Information and Publications Unit to a Directorate to meet the growing communication and image management needs of the University. He also assured that the request for University staff who are members of NIPR to participate in the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum would be examined.

While recognizing the importance of Public Relations to institutional visibility and growth, the Vice-Chancellor used the opportunity to highlight the University's recent recognition at the 6th National Tertiary Admissions Performance-Merit (NATAP-M) Awards organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), where UNIJOS emerged winner of a ₦500 million prize and was recognized for admitting the highest number of international students. He attributed the feat to sustained PR activities that have made the University more visible to the international community.

He added that the funds are being applied to infrastructural development, including the proposed construction of an International Students' Hostel at the Naraguta Campus.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Vice Chairman, Plateau State Chapter of the NIPR, Mr. Sunny Dung, who represented the Chapter Chairman, Mr. Thomas Bajeh, said the visit was to seek greater synergy between the professional body and the University to strengthen Public Relations activities on the Plateau and beyond.

Contributing, the Council Member representing Plateau State Chapter at the NIPR Council, Professor Sarah Lwahas, said the delegation was also at the University to formally invite Management to the 6th Edition of the J.D. Gomwalk Lecture scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Eliel Centre, Gold and Base, Rayfield, Jos, with the theme, “Leadership and the Imperative of Constructive Politics in Plateau State.”

Professor Lwahas also briefed the University Management about the forthcoming 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) scheduled to hold in Abuja in November, 2026, which is expected to attract delegates from over 126 countries.

She appealed to the University to encourage and support its staff who are members of the Institute to participate in the global forum, noting that such exposure would enhance their professional capacity and improve communication with stakeholders. The delegation also called for closer collaboration between the NIPR and the University's Information and Publications Unit.

By Uzer Isaac

Information, Publications, Protocol and Public Relations Division