MAAUN becomes first Nigerian varsity with NIPR corporate membership

Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, has made history as the first university in Nigeria to attain corporate membership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

To mark this achievement, 50 Mass Communication students of the institution were inducted into the student membership cadre of the NIPR.

The induction ceremony, held on Thursday at the School of Social and Management Sciences, MAAUN, was presided over by Dr. Sule Yau Sule, a Council Member of NIPR and Chairman, Board of Directors of Image Merchant Promotion Limited (IMPR).

He commended MAAUN for prioritizing professional development, stating that the move gives its students a competitive edge in 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 practicing 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 said.

The NIPR Act No. 16 of 1990 states that “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 allows corporate membership, enabling institutions and organizations to align with professional standards.

Speaking at the event, Yushau Shuaib, Managing Director/CEO of IMPR, emphasized NIPR’s role in fostering professionalism in public relations and national development. He encouraged the newly inducted students to leverage their membership for career advancement.

“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.

Aliyu Yusuf, Chairman of the NIPR Kano Chapter, described the induction as a gateway to professional excellence.

“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.

Themed “The Role of NIPR and Social Media in Nation Building,” the event explored how public relations and digital communication impact governance, public perception, and national development.

In his opening remarks, MAAUN President, Professor (Dr.) Mohammed Israr, stressed the importance of ethical communication in nation-building. He also highlighted the challenges and opportunities social media presents 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 said.

Prof. Israr noted that while social media offers vast opportunities for engagement and policy dissemination, it also poses challenges such as misinformation and fake news.

“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 reinforces MAAUN’s commitment to professionalising communication studies and equipping its students with the necessary credentials and skills to thrive in the evolving media and public relations industry.