The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and Nasarawa State Government have sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment of the University of Public Relations and Leadership (UPRL) to be located in Gudi, Akwanga local government area of the State.
The MoU signed in Abuja on Monday maps out a number of benefits to the host state, including at least 20 scholarship slots yearly for qualified indigenes, with each of the 13 local government areas represented when the institution takes off.
It also offers 50 concessionary admission slots annually for qualified candidates sponsored by Nasarawa State government, with representation from all the local government areas.
Speaking at the official MoU signing, NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku who described the varsity as a global project noted that it is part of the Institute’s contributions towards addressing leadership gap in Africa which he said is the bane of the continent’s development.
“It is only recently that we started paying attention to issues of leadership, especially in Nigeria. In UK and US, they have institutions that train leaders. The leadership component of UPRL will address the under-development created by bad governance. It will ensure we raise a new generation of credible leaders who will eventually become the new Nigerians that will see to the enthronment of a sustainable new nation”, he said.
While emphasising that Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management is a key partner coming on board to provide global faculty and technical support for the universe, Dr. Neliaku said when completed, it will attract positive attention and further expose the country for global relevance.
In his remarks, governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule who handed over the Conveyance of Approval of Grant of Land for siting of the university reiterated his commitment to ensure that necessary measures are put in place for commencement of the academic institution.
While expressing delight that Nasarawa will be the host state for the global standard academic institution, the governor assured that perimeter fencing of the property will commence immediately, which will be followed by construction of administrative blocks.
He said the UPRL will serve as a hub for manpower development and capacity building for indigenes of Nasarawa and neighbouring states, preparing Nigeria as a hub for equipping leaders for effective service delivery.
