NIPR WARNS AGAINST UNLICENSED PR PRACTITIONERS, CALLS FOR PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
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By; Aina Daniel
The Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has expressed concern over the increasing number of unlicensed individuals practising public relations, warning that their activities are tarnishing the profession’s reputation and misleading organisations.
Speaking on Thursday during the 2026 World Public Relations Day lecture held in Port Harcourt, the Chairman of the NIPR Rivers State Chapter, Rev. Francis Asuk, stressed that only licensed and registered members of the institute are legally qualified to practise public relations in Nigeria.
The event, organised in collaboration with Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, focused on the theme, “The Golden Age of Strategic Public Relations.”
Asuk noted that the growing presence of unqualified practitioners has created misconceptions about the profession and weakened public confidence in strategic communication.
He urged aspiring communication professionals to obtain proper certification through the NIPR, emphasizing that registration provides access to professional training, ethical standards, and a valid licence to practise.
According to him, public relations has evolved far beyond publicity and information dissemination, becoming a strategic management function that builds trust, shapes public perception, strengthens institutions, and fosters meaningful relationships between organisations and their stakeholders.
Asuk further stated that strategic public relations plays a vital role in Nigeria’s development by promoting transparency, enhancing public trust, encouraging citizen participation, and supporting good governance.
He also called on public relations practitioners across Rivers State and the Niger Delta to help bridge communication gaps, encourage dialogue, build consensus among stakeholders, and support initiatives that promote peace, investment, and sustainable development.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Kenneth Nweke of the Department of Political Science at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education described the current era as a turning point for the profession. He said modern public relations must move beyond event management and media relations to embrace transparency, digital engagement, and trust-building in government, business, and society.
Nweke also expressed concern over what he described as deficiencies in both leadership and followership in Nigeria, urging stakeholders to embrace effective communication as a tool for national development.
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