The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Nasarawa State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the University of Public Relations and Leadership (UPRL).

The institution, the first of its kind globally with a dedicated focus on public relations and leadership, will be situated in Gudi, Akwanga Local Government Area of the state, with plans to unveil it in November 2026, coinciding with Nigeria hosting the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF).

During the official MoU signing ceremony in Abuja, NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the university as a global initiative supported by 126 countries under the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management—the worldwide body for PR institutions.

“This is a project driven by the Global Alliance itself. It could have gone to any other country, but because of their love for Africa, they brought it here. On the strength Nigeria demonstrated ahead of others, the Alliance decided to work with us,” Neliaku said.

He noted that the initiative is a practical step by the NIPR to address Africa’s longstanding issues of governance and leadership, adding that the university will help develop a new generation of credible leaders.

Neliaku explained: “It is only recently that we started paying attention to issues of leadership, especially in Nigeria. In the UK and US, they have institutions that train leaders.

“The leadership component of UPRL will address the under-development caused by poor governance. It will ensure we raise a new generation of credible leaders who will eventually become the Nigerians that see to the creation of a sustainable new nation.”

Neliaku also disclosed that the MoU contains significant benefits for the host state, including 20 annual scholarships for qualified students from Nasarawa.

This, he said, would promote representation from all 13 local government areas, including 50 concessionary admission slots each year for candidates sponsored by the state government.

He further explained that the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management is a key partner providing global faculty and technical support for the university, adding that once completed, the university would attract positive international attention and enhance Nigeria’s global standing.

In his speech, Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, while handing over the official conveyance of land for the university, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host what he described as a world-class academic institution.

He recalled past instances where numerous MoUs were signed with much ceremony but later abandoned, noting that only about 25 percent of the over 25 MoUs signed during his first term were actually fulfilled.

He urged stakeholders involved in the current project to ensure it does not follow the same fate as previous agreements.

According to the governor, the endorsement of the proposed university by 126 countries even before its physical infrastructure is complete underscores its global significance.

Sule claimed that Nasarawa State provides a credible platform to renew confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to follow through on international engagements.

He announced that the land for the project has already been approved and is being handed over to the institution to prevent delays.