The leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Plateau State Chapter, has called for stronger collaboration with the University of Jos (UNIJOS) to enhance professional public relations practice and stakeholder communication. The call was made during a courtesy visit by the NIPR delegation to the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Tanko Ishaya, at the Vice-Chancellor's Boardroom, Senate Building, Naraguta Campus, Jos.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Pic Charles Onwochei, said the university remained committed to strengthening its partnership with the Institute. Professor Ishaya commended the NIPR for sustaining the J.D. Gomwalk Memorial Lecture Series in honour of the late first Military Governor of the defunct Benue-Plateau State.
The Vice-Chancellor assured the delegation that the University Management would consider its request for closer collaboration with the institution's Information and Publications Unit, as well as the participation of NIPR members in upcoming professional engagements. He disclosed that the management was considering upgrading the Information and Publications Unit to a Directorate in response to the growing communication and image-management needs of the University.
Ishaya also said the request for university staff who are members of the NIPR to participate in the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) would be given due consideration. Highlighting the importance of public relations to institutional visibility and growth, the Vice-Chancellor pointed to the University's recent recognition at the 6th National Tertiary Admissions Performance-Merit (NATAP-M) Awards organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
According to him, UNIJOS emerged winner of a N500 million prize and was recognised for admitting the highest number of international students. He attributed the achievement partly to sustained public relations activities that had enhanced the University's visibility within the international community. He added that the funds were being deployed to infrastructural development, including the proposed construction of an International Students' Hostel at the Naraguta Campus.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Vice Chairman of the NIPR, Plateau State Chapter, Mr. Sunny Dung, said the visit was aimed at establishing greater synergy between the professional body and the University. Dung said stronger collaboration would help strengthen public relations activities on the Plateau and beyond.
The NIPR Council Member representing Plateau State Chapter, Professor Sarah Lwahas, said the delegation had formally invited the University Management to the sixth edition of the J.D. Gomwalk Memorial Lecture. The lecture was delivered on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Eliel Centre, Gold and Base, Rayfield, Jos, with the theme, "Leadership and the Imperative of Constructive Politics in Plateau State."
Key points
- The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) seeks stronger collaboration with the University of Jos (UNIJOS) to enhance professional public relations practice and stakeholder communication.
- The University of Jos (UNIJOS) has been recognised for admitting the highest number of international students and emerged winner of a N500 million prize at the 6th National Tertiary Admissions Performance-Merit (NATAP-M) Awards.
- The NIPR and UNIJOS will consider closer collaboration with the institution's Information and Publications Unit and participation of NIPR members in upcoming professional engagements.
