Bayero University, Kano (BUK) is hosting the 5th National Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for professionals in tertiary institutions, taking place from November 25 to 28, 2025.
The conference, themed “Advancing Institutional Transformation through Strategic Public Relations in Higher Education,” has drawn participants from across Nigeria, including PR professionals, media and communication experts, directors of public affairs, and representatives of federal, state, and private institutions.
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Declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor of BUK, Professor Haruna Musa,represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Aliyu Mu’azu,said the theme reflects the current realities confronting Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
He noted that BUK places high value on strategic communication, which is evident in the university’s rising national and global visibility.
Professor Musa commended NIPR for granting BUK the hosting rights, adding that no matter how much a university invests in infrastructure, research, and human capital, such progress remains under-recognized without effective communication.
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Delivering the first keynote address, Dr. Mohammed Auwal Haruna, of the Faculty of Communication, emphasized that strategic public relations is essential to institutional transformation.
He highlighted the need for proactive leadership communication to build trust, foster collaboration, and encourage innovation within Nigeria’s higher education system.
According to him, effective PR can help institutions navigate challenges such as political interference, weak governance structures, and socio-economic pressures that hinder progress.
In the second keynote address, Dr. Peter Oyeneye, Chairman of the NIPR Training and Professional Development Committee, stressed the urgent need to strengthen internal communication within tertiary institutions.
He called for a shift from one-directional, top-down information flow to more inclusive, inter-departmental communication systems.
Representing the NIPR National President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, Dr. Oyeneye reaffirmed the institute’s position that public relations plays a central role in Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
He urged tertiary institutions to significantly invest in PR activities to enhance their visibility, credibility, and overall impact.
At the end of Wednesday’s sessions, participants paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Musa expressed appreciation for the honour and reaffirmed BUK’s support for the PR profession. He pledged to continue strengthening the Directorate of Public Affairs to ensure effective service delivery.
The Director of Public Affairs and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Lamara Garba, thanked the participants and commended the LOC members for their dedication to the success of the conference.