by Edentu Oroso, Publications Unit
The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Otuoke, Professor Promise Mebine, has called on the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Bayelsa State Chapter, to deepen its engagement with the University’s students studying Communications, Public Relations, and related disciplines.
Professor Mebine made the call on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, when a delegation of the NIPR Bayelsa State Chapter paid him a courtesy visit at his office in the Vice-Chancellor’s Building, West Campus, FUO.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed the importance of exposing students to professional practice and industry experience while they are still in the University, noting that such engagement would help prepare them for successful careers in public relations and related fields.
He encouraged the NIPR delegation to establish a formal relationship with the University and create opportunities for students to interact with practising professionals and gain practical knowledge of the public relations profession.
“It is important to engage the students while they are still in school,” Professor Mebine said. “Please, come with an official letter to this effect and engage the students.”
The Vice-Chancellor’s call highlights the importance of strengthening collaboration between tertiary institutions and professional bodies to bridge the gap between academic training and professional practice. He noted that such partnerships would expose students to relevant industry knowledge, enhance their understanding of professional practice and better prepare them for the demands of the workplace.
Professor Mebine also expressed delight that the University’s Public Relations Officer, Ms Mercy Ekott, is not only a member of the NIPR but also highly proactive in the discharge of her responsibilities.
The Vice-Chancellor appreciated the Institute’s delegation for visiting to congratulate him on his assumption of office, noting that “God has done so well for us by bringing me here as the 4th substantive Vice-Chancellor.”
He further disclosed that his administration had commenced efforts to address staff welfare, which he identified as a cornerstone of his administration. He, however, acknowledged the financial constraints facing the University, stressing that while resources remain limited, more could be achieved if adequate funds were available.
On professional development and training opportunities through the NIPR, Professor Mebine stated that the University Management was willing to sponsor interested staff members to participate in relevant programmes whenever funds were available. He also expressed his intention to attend the forthcoming NIPR Week scheduled for November 2026.
Speaking during the courtesy visit to the university, the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Chapter of NIPR, Dr. Ebiwari Wariowei, said the delegation was at FUO to cross-fertilize ideas and explore avenues for synergy that would enhance the institution’s public image and overall development.
Dr. Wariowei congratulated Professor Teddy Charles Adias Mebine on his appointment as the fourth substantive Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Otuoke, expressing confidence in his capacity to lead the institution to greater heights.
He explained that NIPR, as the statutory body responsible for regulating the practice and professional conduct of public relations practitioners in Nigeria, was seeking the university’s support in sponsoring its members, both academic and non-academic staff, for periodic professional training programmes. According to him, such interventions would enable members to remain abreast of emerging trends and best practices in the public relations profession.
The NIPR chairman noted that a strategic partnership between the institute and the university would be mutually beneficial, particularly in the areas of image building, crisis communication, and reputation management.
He also appealed to the university management to grant the institute the opportunity to engage and register interested students as NIPR mentees, a move he said would expose them to professional development opportunities and prepare them for careers in public relations. He assured the university that details of the proposed engagement would be formally presented to management.
Dr. Wariowei further stated that the visit was aimed at increasing awareness of the institute’s services and laying the foundation for a sustainable partnership between NIPR and FUO.
While observing that staff members of the university were largely absent from the institute’s recent Annual General Meeting held during the NIPR Week in Kaduna, he encouraged them to participate in forthcoming professional events, including the World Public Relations Forum 2026 scheduled for November 15–21, 2026, and the Bayelsa State Chapter’s NIPR Week slated for December 2026.
Responding to concerns about staff participation and sponsorship, Professor Diri Teilanyo, a lecturer in the Department of English and Communication Studies and a member of the Bayelsa State Chapter of NIPR, disclosed that he had approached the Vice Chancellor for sponsorship to attend the Kaduna AGM shortly after Professor Mebine assumed office. He noted that the request was promptly approved, enabling his participation in the event.
Professor Teilanyo also highlighted the prospects of establishing a Public Relations degree programme at the university in the future. He revealed that the Department of English and Communication Studies currently offers four Public Relations courses and expressed optimism that students enrolled in the programmes would eventually be inducted into NIPR to commence their professional careers.
“Any assistance given to NIPR is assistance to staff and students,” he stated, emphasizing the broader benefits of supporting the institute’s activities within the university community. The visit by the NIPR delegation forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen institutional collaboration and strengthen professional ties between the institute and the Federal University Otuoke.
