MARYAM Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, has made history as the first university in Nigeria to be granted corporate membership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
The feat was marked by the induction of 50 Mass Communication students of the University into the student membership cadre of the NIPR.
The induction ceremony, held on Thursday at the School of Social and Management Sciences in MAAUN, was presided over by a Council Member of NIPR and Chairman, Board of Directors of Image Merchant Promotion Limited (IMPR), Dr Sule Yau Sule.
He lauded MAAUN for prioritising professional development, noting that the institution had given its students a competitive advantage in the field of public relations.
“MAAUN has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to professionalising communication and media studies by securing corporate membership of the NIPR. This aligns with the NIPR Act, which mandates that individuals and corporate entities practising public relations in Nigeria must be registered with the institute. By taking this bold step, MAAUN is setting a precedent for other institutions to follow,” he stated.
According to the NIPR Act No. 16 of 1990, “no person shall engage in the practice of public relations for a fee, gain, or reward unless he is registered by the Institute.” The Act also provides for corporate membership, allowing institutions and organisations to align with professional standards in the field.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of IMPR, Yushau Shuaib, underscored the critical role of NIPR in fostering professionalism in public relations and national development. He urged the newly inducted students to seize the opportunity to build a strong foundation for their careers.
“Public relations is a powerful tool for shaping narratives, fostering unity, and promoting national development. Through this membership, these students are now part of a professional body that upholds ethics, best practices, and continuous learning. I encourage them to leverage this platform to enhance their skills and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
The Chairman of the NIPR, Kano State chapter, Aliyu Yusuf, described the induction as a gateway to professional excellence, urging the students to maximise the benefits of their membership.
“This induction is not just a formality but a stepping stone to professional growth. The NIPR provides networking opportunities, capacity-building programs, and industry-recognized certifications that will position you for success in the field of public relations and beyond,” he stated.
The event, themed “The Role of NIPR and Social Media in Nation Building,” explored the impact of public relations and digital communication on governance, public perception, and national development.
In his opening remarks, the President of MAAUN, Professor (Dr) Mohammed Israr, emphasiaed the importance of ethical communication in nation-building. He highlighted the opportunities and challenges presented by social media in governance and public engagement.
“As we navigate the complexities of modern governance, effective communication has become more critical than ever. The NIPR, as the premier professional body for public relations practitioners in Nigeria, plays a vital role in promoting ethical communication practices, capacity building, and advocacy,” he stated.
Prof. Israr further noted that while social media offers vast opportunities for engagement and policy dissemination, it also presents challenges such as misinformation, hate speech, and fake news. He urged public relations practitioners to leverage social media responsibly to foster fact-based communication, tolerance, and inclusivity.
“As we move forward, I urge the NIPR to continue promoting excellence in public relations practice while also addressing the emerging challenges and opportunities presented by social media. By doing so, we can harness the power of effective communication to build a more cohesive, informed, and prosperous Nigerian society,” he concluded.
The induction ceremony marked a significant step in MAAUN’s commitment to professionalising communication studies and equipping its students with the credentials and skills necessary to excel in the evolving media and public relations landscape.