….Sets up C’ttee for new university

By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

The President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku has opined that effective communication plays a crucial role in any successful leadership position.

Dr. Neliaku who stated this at the inauguration of the project implementation committee for the first ever Public Relations and Leadership University (PRLU) in Nigeria, said public relations is essential for successful leadership.

He said: “It has become very clear that leaders that must succeed should imbibe the culture of knowing how to relate and knowing how to communicate. But at the same time we realized that for you to be an effective public relations practitioner or an effective communicator, you must possess leadership qualities. Leadership is both an art and a science, requiring research, just like public relations. So, you cannot separate leadership from communication, nor can you separate communication from leadership.”

He said the university which would be sited in Nasarawa State would address “critical skills gaps, enhance the country’s global reputation, promote ethical leadership, and contribute to the overall development and transformation of the nation”.

Inaugurating the Project Implementation committee, former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, stressed that maintaining academic excellence hinges on strategic leadership that prioritizes the university’s reputation and longevity.

He underscored the critical need for the university to be easily accessible through multiple transport routes, including highways, railways, and airways.

He pointed out that “The institution should occupy a prominent location in a picturesque setting, as per the agreement reached at the leadership forum.

“In terms of academic standards, Gana stated that the university must uphold a zero-tolerance policy for mediocrity. “The institution is a breeding ground for innovation, idea incubation, and impactful research. Attracting and retaining top-tier talent from around the globe is paramount, he asserted, cautioning that academic merit should supersede connections in faculty promotion”.