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The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), Professor Ezekiel O. Agbalagba, has reaffirmed the university’s commitment to professionalism, capacity building and strategic communication, pledging deeper collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Delta State Chapter.

Professor Agbalagba made the commitment when a delegation of the NIPR Delta State Chapter, led by its Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, paid him a courtesy visit to congratulate him on his successful one year in office and explore areas of mutual cooperation between the university and the institute.

The Vice Chancellor commended the institute for its contributions to the growth and development of public relations practice in Nigeria, describing effective communication and stakeholder engagement as indispensable tools for institutional progress.

He expressed appreciation for the visit and assured the delegation that FUPRE would continue to encourage its staff to take advantage of professional development opportunities provided by the institute.

According to him, continuous training and professional certification are vital in strengthening institutional communication systems and improving service delivery.

Professor Agbalagba further stressed that FUPRE remains committed to maintaining high operational standards and supporting initiatives that promote professionalism among staff members. He acknowledged NIPR’s role as the regulatory body for public relations practice in Nigeria and emphasized the need for communication professionals to stay abreast of emerging industry trends and global best practices.

Earlier, the NIPR Delta State Chapter Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, congratulated the Vice Chancellor on his first anniversary in office, describing his leadership as impactful and remarkable.

Enebeli explained that the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, established in 1963 and strengthened by subsequent legislation, serves as the statutory body responsible for regulating and certifying public relations practitioners in Nigeria.

He noted that the NIPR Act empowers the institute to determine who is qualified to practise public relations in both public and private organisations, while ensuring adherence to professional and ethical standards.

According to him, 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 also informed the Vice Chancellor that Delta State remains well represented at the national level of the institute, with Chief Patrick Ukah, Director-General of the Delta State Capital Development Agency (DSCDA), serving on the Governing Council of NIPR.

He said the development has strengthened the state’s voice in national discussions on policies affecting the public relations profession.

Enebeli highlighted several professional development programmes offered by the institute, including certification and masterclass initiatives designed to equip communication professionals with the skills and competencies required to excel in the field.

He disclosed that NIPR also provides pathways for individuals without formal public relations qualifications to acquire professional training and certification, thereby expanding opportunities for career advancement and institutional effectiveness.

The NIPR official appealed to the university management to continue supporting staff participation in the institute’s programmes and activities, noting that exposure to professional training and networking opportunities would ultimately benefit the university.

He also drew attention to major upcoming programmes of the institute, including national conferences and the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum, which is expected to attract communication professionals and industry leaders from across the world.

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 of the chapter’s Annual General Meeting and Public Lecture scheduled for June 24 and 25, 2026.

She explained that the first day of the event would focus on training and certification programmes for members, while the second day would feature the Annual General Meeting and Public Lecture.

Mrs. Udemezue said the training sessions were designed to enhance members’ professional competence and prepare them for greater responsibilities within the communications industry.

She appealed to the Vice Chancellor to encourage university 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 delegation included Barrister Larry Mogbeyiteren and Mrs. Francisca Okoro.