Nigeria is set to make global history in 2026 as it prepares to host the world’s first University of Public Relations and Leadership, a landmark development that positions the country as a potential superpower in the global public relations ecosystem. The announcement was made by the National President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, during the opening of the Rivers Public Relations Week on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

Dr. Neliaku said the proposed university would serve as a specialized training ground for public relations practitioners across Nigeria and Africa, bridging the gap between communication and leadership. “The university will train people on public relations. Leadership failure happens because they don’t understand public relations. The nexus between public relations and leadership is profound but poorly managed,” he stated. He also revealed plans to establish the Nigeria Reputation Management Board and to introduce Nigeria Reputation Day to be celebrated annually on October 15.

Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers State Head of Service, De Inyingi Brown, announced that the state government would domesticate the federal government’s public relations career profession policy to enhance public service efficiency. She said the governor emphasized the importance of truth, transparency, and accountability in governance, stressing that “communication in the public sector must be people-focused and anchored on honesty.”

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, represented by Mrs. Thompson Wakama, said the NDDC was committed to transparency and stakeholder engagement to drive sustainable development. He pledged the Commission’s readiness to partner with the NIPR in implementing the Niger Delta development master plan. Earlier, Rivers NIPR Chairman, Francis Asuk, underscored the role of strategic communication in peacebuilding and governance, urging leaders to rely on professional public relations expertise in addressing national challenges.