The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, Professor Ezekiel O. Agbalagba, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to professionalism, capacity building and strategic communication, pledging stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Delta State Chapter.
Professor Agbalagba gave the assurance when a delegation of the NIPR Delta State Chapter, led by the Chapter Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, paid him a courtesy visit at his office to congratulate him on his successful one year in office and discuss areas of mutual cooperation between the university and the institute.
The Vice Chancellor commended the institute for its contributions to the advancement of public relations practice in Nigeria, describing effective communication and stakeholder engagement as critical components of institutional growth and development.
He expressed appreciation for the visit and assured the delegation that the university would continue to encourage staff members to take advantage of professional development opportunities offered by the institute. According to him, continuous training and professional certification remain essential in strengthening institutional communication and enhancing service delivery.
Professor Agbalagba further noted that FUPRE remains committed to maintaining high standards in its operations and would continue to support initiatives that promote professionalism among members of staff. He acknowledged the role of NIPR as the regulatory body for public relations practice in Nigeria and emphasized the need for communication professionals to remain updated with evolving industry trends and global best practices.
Earlier, the Secretary of the NIPR Delta State Chapter, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, congratulated the Vice Chancellor on his one-year anniversary in office, describing his stewardship as remarkable and impactful.
Enebeli explained that the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations was established in 1963 and later strengthened through legislation that empowers it as the statutory body responsible for regulating and certifying public relations practitioners in Nigeria.
According to him, the NIPR Act gives the institute the authority to determine who is qualified to practice public relations in both public and private organisations, while also ensuring compliance with professional and ethical standards.
He noted that the institute remains committed to promoting professionalism and ensuring that communication and public relations offices are managed by qualified and certified practitioners.
The Chapter Secretary further informed the Vice Chancellor that the Delta State Chapter is well represented at the national level, with Chief Patrick Ukah, Director-General of the Delta State Capital Development Agency (DSCDA), serving as a member of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). According to him, the development underscores Delta State’s growing influence in the affairs of the institute and provides the chapter with a stronger voice in national policy discussions affecting the public relations profession.
Enebeli also highlighted several professional development programmes of the institute, including its certification and masterclass initiatives designed to equip communication professionals with the requisite skills and competencies needed to excel in the field.
He disclosed that the institute offers pathways for individuals without formal public relations qualifications to acquire professional training and certification, thereby broadening opportunities for career development and institutional effectiveness.
The Chapter Secretary appealed to the university management to continue supporting staff participation in NIPR programmes and activities, stressing that exposure to professional training and networking opportunities would ultimately benefit the institution.
He highlighted other major programmes lined up by the institute, including national conferences and the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum expected to attract communication professionals and industry leaders from across the globe.
Also, speaking during the visit, Chairman of the NIPR Delta State Chapter 2026 Annual General Meeting and Public Lecture Planning Committee, Mrs. Onyinyechi Udemezue, informed the Vice Chancellor about the chapter’s forthcoming Annual General Meeting and Public Lecture scheduled for June 24 and 25, 2026.
She explained that the first day of the event would be dedicated to training and certification programmes for members, while the second day would feature the Annual General Meeting and Public Lecture.
Mrs. Udemezue said the training component was designed to strengthen the professional competence of members and prepare them for higher responsibilities within the communications industry.
She appealed to the Vice Chancellor to encourage members of staff, particularly those involved in communication, media and public relations functions, to participate in the programme and other activities of the institute.
Other members of the NIPR Delta State Chapter delegation Barr. Larry Mogbeyiteren, and Mrs. Francisca Okoro.
