In a significant move to enhance transparency and professionalism in public communications, 72 information officers and public relations practitioners from Kano State’s Ministry of Information were formally inducted into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) during a ceremony in northern Nigeria. The event, hosted at Kano’s Tahir Guest Palace, marked a strategic effort by the state to embed ethical standards and technical expertise across its public service sectors.
Leading the initiative was Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who was himself among the inductees. Describing the occasion as a “historic milestone,” Waiya emphasized its role in modernizing public communication strategies and governance. “This induction is not just ceremonial—it is a transformational step,” he stated, underscoring the state’s commitment to aligning with global best practices in information management. His remarks, cited in an official release by ministry official Sani Yola, highlighted plans for an additional cohort of 50 officers to undergo advanced training via a Master’s Class in Public Relations, furthering their eligibility for full NIPR membership. This initiative, Waiya noted, forms part of broader reforms to cultivate “a competent, ethical, and informed public service” rooted in accountability and accuracy.
NIPR President and Governing Council Chairman Dr. Ike Neliaku, who officiated the induction oath, lauded Kano State for its proactive stance. He outlined the institute’s legacy, tracing its origins to a 1963 founding and 1990 federal charter, while noting its current network of over 31,000 members in Nigeria and partnerships spanning 126 countries. “This induction is only the foundation,” Neliaku stressed, urging new members to pursue continuous growth through conferences and professional engagements to attain higher distinctions, such as fellowship status.
The event also featured an orientation lecture by communication scholar Associate Professor Sule Yau Sule, who outlined the responsibilities of NIPR membership, emphasizing ethical conduct and lifelong learning. Kano’s NIPR chapter chairman, Aliyu Yusuf, concluded proceedings by thanking state leaders, including Governor Abba Yusuf, for supporting the initiative and acknowledging Commissioner Waiya’s pivotal role in its execution.
The mass induction reflects Kano State’s ambition to position itself as a model for strategic communications within Nigeria, leveraging institutional partnerships to strengthen governance and public trust. With plans for expanded training and NIPR collaboration, the initiative signals a shift toward standardized professionalism in a sector critical to civic engagement and policy dissemination.
