Brief History of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations
Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) hitherto known as the Public Relations Association of Nigeria (until when it was renamed in 1972) was established in 1963. The body attained the status of a Chartered Institute on 1st June, 1990 through Decree No. 16 (now an Act of the National Assembly). This Law empowers the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations to register members, regulate and monitor the practice/development of the PR Profession as well monitor professional conducts through an established Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. As it is the practice with respectable professional organizations everywhere, the law allows standard academic and professional qualifications for admissions into the Institute.
At the helm of the Institute’s affairs is the President, assisted by a Vice President - in a 22-member Governing Council, comprising 17 Elected and five (5) Federal Government Nominated Members. Each Council has a 2-year tenure, which is renewable. The President and Vice President are elected through electoral college made up of only Council Members. The President and Vice President also sit as Chairman and Vice Chairman of Council, respectively.
Administratively, the council appoints a Registrar, whose duty among others, is to prepare and maintain the register of members in accordance with the rules made by the Council.
Structurally, the NIPR has Chapters across the States of the Federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), each Chapter headed by elected Chairman and supported by member of Executive Committee.
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by law is the Grand Patron of the Institute, and Governors at State levels and the Minister of FCT as Patrons.
From inception till date (1963 – 2025), the Institute has produced fifteen(15) Presidents as follows:
Dr. Sam Epelle 1963 – 1968
Chief Kanu Offonry 1968 – 1972
Tonye Willie Harry 1972 – 1976
Alhaji Ikhaz Yakubu 1976 – 1980
Chief Bob Ogbuagu 1980 – 1984
Chief Alex Akinyele 1984 – 1988
Mazi Mike Okereke 1988 – 1993
Alhaji Sabo Mohammed 1993 – 1998
Chief Jibade Oyekan 1998 – 2001
Senebo Bobo Brown 2001 – 2005
Professor Ike Nwosu 2005 – 2009
Alhaji Mohammed A. Abdullahi 2009 – 2013
Dr. Rotimi Oladele 2013 – 2018
Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo 2018 – 2023
Dr. Ike Neliaku 2023 - Date
The history of NIPR’s formation will not be complete without referencing the foundation members; who include, the pioneer President – Late Dr. Sam Epelle, Alex Nwokedi, Aduke Alakija, Theo Awobogu, Kunle Ojora, Wilton High and Dan Agbakova, who came together and pulled the first initiative that resulted in the establishment of the Institute.