The Chairman of the Abia State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Onyinye Ralph-Nwachukwu, has called for stronger institutional collaboration between the Institute and Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, to promote professionalism in public relations practice and enhance mentorship opportunities for students.
Ralph-Nwachukwu made the call during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Institute to the Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Christopher K. Okoro, in his office recently.
In her remarks, the NIPR Chairman commended the Rector for his efforts in repositioning the institution and strengthening its academic programmes, particularly the Department of Mass Communication, which she described as crucial to developing future communicators and reputation managers.
She also noted their shared academic roots at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, describing the Rector as a worthy ambassador of the institution and a strong advocate of academic excellence and institutional development.
Ralph-Nwachukwu further appreciated the Rector for supporting professionals within the Polytechnic, especially a member of the Institute who currently serves as the Head of the Department of Mass Communication.
According to her, such encouragement demonstrates a clear understanding of the strategic role of public relations in shaping institutional reputation and strengthening public trust.
She emphasised the need for deeper collaboration between the Polytechnic and the Institute through professional development programmes, public lectures, communication strategy engagements and mentorship initiatives for students.
The NIPR Chairman also encouraged staff of the Polytechnic, particularly those performing communication-related functions, to register as members of the Institute in order to align with professional standards and ethical communication practices.
She explained that public relations practice in Nigeria is regulated under the NIPR Act, which requires individuals performing public relations functions to be registered members of the Institute.
Ralph-Nwachukwu also urged the Polytechnic’s management to consider enrolling the institution as a Corporate Member of NIPR, noting that such membership would enhance the institution’s visibility and provide valuable professional exposure for Mass Communication students.
She further informed the Rector that the Abia State Chapter of the Institute would participate in key professional engagements this year, including the Nigeria Public Relations Week scheduled for April 19–25, 2026, in Kaduna, and the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) later in the year in Abuja.
She appealed for the institution’s support in sponsoring NIPR members within the Polytechnic to participate in these events, noting that the exposure would strengthen professional competence and enhance the institution’s reputation.
The Chairman also appreciated the Rector for granting the Institute the opportunity to interact with final-year students of the Department of Mass Communication as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration.
She noted that although the global focus is on empowering women, the Institute promotes inclusivity, which informed the decision to involve both male and female students in the mentorship programme.
Ralph-Nwachukwu also congratulated the Rector on his appointment as Chief Examiner for Abia State by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), describing the recognition as well deserved.
Responding, the Rector, Engr. Dr. Christopher K. Okoro, directed the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Dennis Ubani, to liaise with the Institute to facilitate the Polytechnic’s registration as a Corporate Member of NIPR.
He also directed that staff of the department participate in the upcoming Nigeria Public Relations Week and the World Public Relations Forum, stating that the institution could sponsor up to eight delegates for the programmes.
Okoro explained that the Polytechnic’s management has continued to support staff in professional development through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
He disclosed that over 300 staff members were sponsored for professional and academic development programmes last year, while more than 90 have already benefited this year.
The Rector stressed the importance of professional membership for career progression, noting that lecturers and staff involved in public relations practice must belong to recognised professional bodies in their fields.
In his vote of thanks, Sir O.J. Bob Amanze expressed appreciation to the Rector for the warm reception accorded the delegation and assured him that the Institute would continue to strengthen its partnership with the Polytechnic in advancing the communication profession.
Members of the NIPR executive who accompanied the Chairman on the visit included the Vice Chairman, Oluchi Iyke Odionyenfe; Secretary, Ori Innocent-Onuoha; Assistant Secretary/ICT Officer, Victor Onwuka; Treasurer, Onyinyechi Obi; Financial Secretary, Grace Gbagi; and Public Relations Officer, Promise Uzoma Okoro.
Also present were the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Dennis Ubani, the Polytechnic’s Director of Research and Development, and other lecturers from the department.
