The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Abia State Chapter, has commended the Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Prof. M. O. Iwe, for his consistent support toward the advancement of professional public relations practice in the state.
The commendation was made by the Chairman of NIPR Abia, Onyinye Onwuzuruike Ralph-Nwachukwu, fnipr, during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor on February 12, 2026.
Ralph-Nwachukwu described the University’s leadership as exemplary, particularly in recognizing the strategic importance of public relations in institutional growth, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement. She disclosed that the National Secretariat of the Institute had formally conveyed its appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for his support, especially within Abia State.
She also extended the goodwill of the President and Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, fnipr, who acknowledged Prof. Iwe’s commitment to professionalism and institutional collaboration.
Highlighting professional milestones recorded during the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure, the Chairman noted her elevation to the rank of Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations the first from Abia State in over 35 years as well as her emergence as the elected Chairman of the state chapter.
The NIPR Chairman emphasized the need for compliance with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Act, Cap N114, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which designates the Institute as the statutory body responsible for regulating public relations practice in Nigeria. She reiterated that the law mandates all practitioners in both public and private institutions to be registered members of the Institute.
She urged MOUAU to continue leading by example by ensuring that all personnel performing public relations functions are duly registered and compliant with the Act.
Responding, Prof. Iwe reaffirmed his commitment to staff capacity building and assured the delegation of the University’s continued support for the Abia State Chapter of NIPR. He congratulated the Chairman on her election, describing her as diligent and innovative, and expressed confidence in her ability to reposition the Institute in the state.
Also present at the meeting were principal officers of the University, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development), Prof. Ursula Akanwa; the Registrar, Dr. Mrs. Nkeiruka Mbanasor; the Bursar, Chief Ugochukwu Ironkwe; and the University Librarian, Prof. Isaac Ogbonna.
