MAAUN Becomes First Nigerian Varsity To Secure NIPR Corporate Membership

Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, has made history by becoming the first Nigerian university to be granted corporate membership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

This milestone was celebrated during an induction ceremony on Thursday at the School of Social and Management Sciences in MAAUN, where 50 Mass Communication students were inducted into the student membership cadre of the NIPR. The event was presided over by Dr. Sule Yau Sule, a Council Member of NIPR and Chairman of Image Merchant Promotion Limited (IMPR).

Dr. Sule Yau Sule commended MAAUN for its dedication to professional development, noting that the institution has given its students a competitive advantage in the field of public relations. He emphasized that securing corporate membership aligns with the NIPR Act, which mandates that individuals and corporate entities practicing public relations in Nigeria must be registered with the Institute.

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 registered by the Institute.” The Act also allows for corporate membership, enabling institutions to adhere to professional standards in public relations.

Yushau Shuaib, the Managing Director/CEO of IMPR, underscored the importance of NIPR in promoting professionalism in public relations and national development. He encouraged the newly inducted students to take full advantage of this membership to build a strong foundation for their careers.

The Chairman of NIPR, Kano State chapter, Aliyu Yusuf, highlighted the induction as an essential step toward professional excellence, urging students to make the most of their membership for growth and networking opportunities within the public relations field.

The event, themed “The Role of NIPR and Social Media in Nation Building,” discussed the influence of public relations and digital communication on governance, national development, and public perception. Professor (Dr) Mohammed Israr, the President of MAAUN, stressed the critical role of ethical communication in nation-building. He emphasized that while social media offers vast opportunities for engagement, it also presents challenges like misinformation and fake news, urging public relations practitioners to use these platforms responsibly.

MAAUN’s achievement marks a significant commitment to professionalizing communication studies and equipping students with the credentials and skills needed to thrive in the evolving field of media and public relations.