NIPR Seeks Collaboration With Ogbonnaya Ọnụ Polytechnic, Hails Rector

The Chairman of the Abia State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR),Onyinye Onwuzuruike Ralph-nwachukwu, fnipr, 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.

The Chairman made the call during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Institute to the Rector of the Polytechnic, Christopher K. Okoro, at his office.

In her address, Fellow Onyinye commended the Rector for the remarkable work he is doing in repositioning the institution and strengthening its academic programmes, particularly the Department of Mass Communication, which she described as critical to the development of future communicators and reputation managers.

She also acknowledged their shared professional roots at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, noting that the Rector has remained a worthy ambassador of the institution and a committed advocate of academic excellence and institutional development.

The NIPR Chairman further appreciated the Rector for supporting professionals within the Polytechnic, particularly 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 emphasized the need for deeper institutional collaboration between the Polytechnic and the Institute through initiatives such as professional development programmes, public lectures, communication strategy engagements, and mentorship opportunities for students.

The Chairman also encouraged staff of the Polytechnic, especially those performing communication-related functions, to register as members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in order to align with professional standards and ethical communication practice.

According to her, the practice of public relations in Nigeria is regulated under the NIPR Act, which mandates that individuals performing public relations functions must be registered members of the Institute.

She further urged the management of the Polytechnic to consider enrolling the institution as a Corporate Member of NIPR, noting that such a step would enhance the institution’s visibility while providing valuable professional exposure for students of Mass Communication.

The Chairman also informed the Rector that the Abia State Chapter of the Institute would be participating in major professional engagements this year, including the Nigeria Public Relations Week, scheduled to hold in Kaduna from April 19–25, 2026, as well as the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) coming up later in the year in Abuja.

She appealed for the institution’s support in sponsoring NIPR members within the Polytechnic to participate in these engagements, noting that the exposure would strengthen professional competence and further enhance the reputation of the institution.

The Chairman also appreciated the Rector for granting the Institute the opportunity to interact with final-year students of the Department of Mass Communication, describing the engagement as part of activities organized by the Chapter to mark the International Women’s Day 2026 celebration.

She explained that although the global conversation focuses on empowering women, the Institute strongly promotes inclusivity, which informed the decision to involve both male and female students in the mentorship programme.

The NIPR Chairman 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 of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Christopher K. Okoro, directed the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Dennis Ubani, to immediately liaise with the Institute to facilitate the registration of the Polytechnic as a Corporate Member of NIPR.
“HOD, advise your members not to apply for any conference again. The NIPR Week in April and the World Public Relations Conference coming up in Abuja are compulsory. We can sponsor up to eight persons to attend as delegates,” the Rector said.

He explained that the management of the Polytechnic has continued to support academic staff in professional development through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
“What we are trying to do here is to ensure that everyone benefits from TETFund opportunities. As at last year, we sponsored over 300 persons, and this year more than 90 persons have already been sponsored,” he stated.

Engr. Okoro emphasized the importance of professional membership for academic progression, noting that lecturers and staff involved in public relations practice must belong to recognized professional bodies in their fields.
“We will continue to encourage our lecturers and other staff to participate in professional development. Just like in engineering where one cannot advance from Lecturer I to Lecturer II without being registered with Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), those in Mass Communication, especially in Public Relations, must also belong to the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations,” he added.

In a vote of thanks, Sir O.J. Bob Amanze expressed appreciation to the Rector for the warm reception accorded to 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 Vice Chairman, Oluchi Iyke-Odionyenfe; Secretary, Ori Innocent-Onuoha; Assistant Secretary/ICT Officer, Victor Onwuka; Treasurer, Onyinyechi Obi; Financial Secretary, Grace Gbagi; and the Public Relations Officer, Promise Uzoma Okoro.

Also present were the Head of Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Dennis Ubani, the Director of Research and Development of the Polytechnic, as well as other lecturers of the Mass Communication Department.