Brief History of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), hitherto known as the Public Relations Association of Nigeria, was established in 1963 through the pioneering efforts of Dr Sam Epelle, Alex Nwokedi, Aduke Alakija, Theo Awobogu, Kunle Ojora, Wilton High and Dan Agbakova. The body attained the status of a Chartered Institute through Decree No. 16 of 1990 (now an Act of the National Assembly, cited as CAP n114 laws of the Federation of Nigeria LFN2004). The Law empowers the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations to register members, regulate and monitor the practice/development of the PR Profession as well as monitor professional conduct through an established Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. The law also stipulates academic and professional qualifications required for admission into the Institute. As the sole regulator of Public Relations practice in Nigeria, the Institute is supervised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
At the helm of the Institute’s affairs is a twenty-two (22) member Council comprising 17 registered public relations professionals elected every two years by members of the Institute and five (5) members of the Institute nominated by the Federal Government. The Council is chaired by the President who is assisted by a Vice President. The President and Vice President are elected every two years through an electoral college made up of only elected Council Members.
To ease the day-to-day administration of the Institute, the Law provides for the appointment of a Registrar by the Council. The Registrar is appointed for a fixed renewable term of five years and has the primary duty to prepare and maintain the register of members by the rules made by the Council. The Registrar is assisted by a host of competent and professional diverse workforce located at the Abuja National Secretariat and the Lagos liaison office of the secretariat. Ultimately all acts undertaken by the NIPR’s officers and staff are in the name of, and with the authority of, the Council.
From inception to date, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations has produced fifteen (15) Presidents in the following order of succession:
Dr. Ike Neliaku, fnipr 2023 - Date
Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo, fnipr 2018 – 2023
Dr. Rotimi Oladele, fnipr 2013 – 2018
Alh. Mohammed A. Abdullahi, fnipr 2009 – 2013
Professor Ike Nwosu, fnipr 2005 – 2009
Senebo Bobo Brown, fnipr 2001 – 2005
Chief Jibade Oyekan, fnipr 1998 – 2001
Alhaji Sabo Mohammed, fnipr 1993 – 1998
Mazi Mike Okereke, fnipr 1988 – 1993
Chief Alex Akinyele, fnipr 1984 – 1988
Chief Bob Ogbuagu, fnipr 1980 – 1984
Alhaji Ikhaz Yakubu, fnipr 1976 – 1980
Tonye Willie Harry, fnipr 1972 – 1976
Chief Kanu Offonry, fnipr 1968 – 1972
Dr. Sam Epelle, fnipr 1963 – 1968