UNIZIK, NIPR Anambra Explore Strategic Partnership to Advance Public Relations, Institutional Excellence
The Executive Committee and members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Anambra State Chapter, on Thursday, July 9, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, to strengthen the longstanding relationship between the Institute and the University and explore strategic areas of collaboration.
Speaking during the visit, the Public Relations Officer of the Chapter, Comrade Ogemdi Ozoemena, described the meeting as a significant opportunity to deepen institutional ties. He noted that the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations is the statutory body responsible for regulating public relations practice, reputation management and image building in Nigeria. He thereafter introduced the Chairperson of the Anambra State Chapter, Dr. Ngozi Ulogu, to formally present the purpose of the visit.
In her remarks, Dr. Ulogu congratulated Prof. Anyaehie on his appointment as Vice-Chancellor and commended his visionary leadership, commitment to academic excellence and drive towards institutional transformation. She described Nnamdi Azikiwe University as one of Nigeria’s foremost universities, renowned for producing distinguished professionals and leaders who have made remarkable contributions to national development.
She explained that the visit was aimed at formalising and strengthening the existing relationship between NIPR and the University through a strategic partnership that would promote professionalism, responsible communication, capacity development and sustainable reputation management.
The Chairperson proposed a number of collaborative initiatives, including staff attitudinal rebranding programmes, internal brand alignment campaigns and sustained communication of the University’s core values through the Directorate of Information and Public Relations. She also recommended executive masterclasses on public relations and reputation management for principal officers, ethics and certification workshops for non-teaching staff, as well as training programmes focused on confidentiality, transparency and professional conduct.
Dr. Ulogu further advocated expanded opportunities for students through mentorship programmes, the establishment of an NIPR Students’ Hub, annual public relations workshops coordinated by the University’s Public Relations Office, and the creation of an NIPR Study Centre at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, similar to existing centres in Port Harcourt, Uyo and Enugu.
She also informed the Vice-Chancellor that Nigeria would host the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) 2026 in Abuja from November 15 to 21, 2026, under the theme, “Responsive Communication: The Voice of the World.” She appealed to the University Management to sponsor student delegates to participate in the global event, noting that the exposure would enhance their professional development, expand international networking opportunities and further project the University’s image on the global stage.
Dr. Ulogu assured the Vice-Chancellor of the Institute’s readiness to deploy its pool of seasoned public relations professionals in support of the University’s vision, adding that a structured partnership between NIPR and the University’s Management would strengthen institutional communication, service delivery and sustainable reputation management.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Vice Chairman of NIPR Anambra State Chapter, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, commended Prof. Anyaehie for his transformational leadership, particularly his efforts in facilitating the payment of salaries to staff who had worked for years without remuneration, as well as the ongoing beautification and infrastructural transformation of the University environment.
According to him, effective leadership is anchored on sound public relations principles, adding that the University’s visible progress reflects a leadership that appreciates stakeholder engagement and strategic communication. He also reiterated the appeal for the sponsorship of students to attend the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, appreciated the delegation for the courtesy visit and the presentation of souvenirs. He thanked the Institute for its thoughtful proposals and observed that several of the recommendations would require further clarification and proper categorisation.
He directed that the proposals be forwarded to the University’s Directorate of Information and Public Relations for detailed itemisation and identification of actionable areas for Management’s consideration.
Prof. Anyaehie assured the delegation that the University shares the Institute’s vision of institutional advancement and would carefully evaluate the proposals with a view to implementing initiatives that would add value to the University.
“The most important thing is that we share the same vision and desire to uplift the University. We shall carefully look at the proposals and see how we can take care of them,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.
The visit culminated in the presentation of gift items and souvenirs to the Vice-Chancellor by members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Anambra State Chapter.
Members of the delegation included Prof. Venatius Agbanu, Dr. Chibuzo Okoye, Mr. Uche Osunkwo, Mr. Theophilus Ukoha, Comrade Aloysius Attah (Director, Information and Public Relations, Nnamdi Azikiwe University), Sir Nnamdi Onuzulike, Chief Ikegulu Chigozie (NASU Chairman, UNIZIK), Mrs. Chika Ene, Dr. Chinedu Ekweonu, Secretary of the Chapter, and other members of the Institute.