Chapter says award will encourage academic excellence and groom ethical public relations professionals
By Danjuma AMODU
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), FCT Chapter, has instituted an Annual Public Relations Prize for Excellence for the best graduating Mass Communication students in tertiary institutions within the nation’s capital.
Chairman of the Chapter, Mr. Stanley Ogadigo, announced the initiative during a courtesy visit to the leadership of Baze University, Abuja, saying it is aimed at instilling a culture of healthy competition and raising a credible successor generation of public relations professionals.
According to Ogadigo, the prize aligns with the Chapter’s commitment to providing mentorship and support needed to mould future PR practitioners for ethical professional practice.
“The institution of the NIPR FCT Annual Public Relations Prize for Excellence is a demonstration of our commitment to nurturing the next generation of public relations professionals. We aim to encourage academic excellence and foster healthy competition that brings out the best among students of communication,” Ogadigo stated.
He also solicited the University’s support for other programmes, including participation in the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) scheduled for November 2026 in Abuja, and the 2027 Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW) to be hosted by the FCT Chapter.
In his response, the Vice Chancellor of Baze University, Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, lauded the Chapter for its initiatives aimed at transforming the practice of public relations in the FCT. He described the annual prize as a bold intervention to revive the culture of academic excellence among communication students.
The Chairman’s delegation included Vice Chairman, Mr. Edward Adebanjo, fnipr; Council Member, Mrs. Olubunmi Badejo, fnipr; former Chairman, HRH Dr. Tayo Haastrup, fnipr; National Chairman, NIPR International Women’s Day Committee, Haj. Lami Tumaka, fnipr; Senior Administrative Officer, Mr. Uzoma Nwosu; and student intern, Miss Oladele Tabitha.
On the Vice Chancellor’s team were Dr. Bisi Ogunmisire, anipr, Head of Department of Mass Communication, and Dr. Tope Ojeme, mnipr, University Orator and PRO of NIPR FCT Chapter.
Professional bodies in Nigeria have a long history of instituting academic prizes to promote excellence and bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice.
The NIPR National body runs the “NIPR Students’ Essay Competition” and sponsors best-graduating student awards in several universities. Similarly, the Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Medical Association, and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria all offer annual prizes and scholarships to top students in law, medicine, and accounting respectively.
In the communications field, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors also present awards to outstanding mass communication graduates. These interventions are designed to encourage scholarship, reward hard work, and identify future industry leaders early.
With the FCT Chapter’s new prize, NIPR joins this tradition of using recognition and mentorship to strengthen professional standards and ensure a steady pipeline of competent practitioners.
