Exclusive

A HISTORIC DAY IN GUDI: WITNESSING THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE WORLD’S FIRST PUBLIC RELATIONS AND LEADERSHIP UNIVERSITY

By UK Usman

Friday, April 25th, 2025, was truly special for me and I believe for the council and other members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) as well. It was the day I had the incredible privilege of being part of the NIPR Governing Council’s delegation that visited Gudi, in Akwanga LGA, Nasarawa State, the proposed site for what will become the first-ever University of Public Relations and Leadership (UPRL) in the world!

Our day began with a courtesy call on His Royal Highness, Alhaji Sule Bawa, MFR, the Sarkin Gudi, at his palace. His warmth, wisdom and pride in hosting such a monumental project were deeply moving. The reception we received was nothing short of heartwarming. Surrounded by his palace councillors, including the District Head of Gudi, Alhaji Yusuf Sule, His Highness expressed deep appreciation for the choice of Gudi as the location for such a significant institution.

It was also very clear that our presence and purpose deeply resonated with the community, given the mammoth crowd at the palace. Listening to Sarkin Gudi speak with such pride and historical depth was inspiring. He has ruled Gudi since 1968, an extraordinary 56 years on the throne, and he shared how his community has never experienced intercommunal or ethnic conflict. It’s no wonder the NIPR sees Gudi as the perfect home for the university: peaceful, hospitable, and united.

From the palace, we proceeded to the proposed site of the university, at the outskirts of Gudi town, led by Dr. Yakubu Lamai, Director General of Strategic Communication and Events Management to the Nasarawa State Government. It was a moment of deep reflection and anticipation, standing on the very ground where future generations of communicators and leaders would be shaped. I could feel the energy of what’s to come, and I’m beyond excited.

From the site, we proceeded to Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), which has graciously agreed to mentor UPRL as it begins operations. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Abdullahi S. Modibbo, welcomed us with genuine enthusiasm. She assured us that NSUK’s proven strategies for success, especially its merit-driven approach, would be extended to support the takeoff of our UPRL.

In his remarks at NSUK, Dr. Neliaku thanked the university for its willingness to mentor what will soon be a beacon of academic excellence in Africa and the world. Our Vice President, Professor Dandaura, added a critical note, urging NSUK to support the development of ICT infrastructure at UPRL and to assist with the training of staff for its eventual rollout. Thereafter, we toured some of the university’s facilities before departing. From all indications, the partnership is strong, the vision is clear, and the support is overwhelming.

It is pertinent to state that the landmark initiative of the NIPR’s UPRL is being championed by our Governing Council, led by the President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, fnipr, and supported by our Vice President, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, as well as the dynamic 27 Council Members, which include my humble self. Therefore, the UPRL isn’t just another university; it’s a legacy in the making. A centre of excellence for Nigeria, Africa, and the world as far as public relations practice and leadership are concerned. It is also a hub for nurturing ethical, bold, and visionary leaders.

NIPR has already swung into action, setting up several subcommittees within a 79-member Project Implementation Committee (PIC), ably chaired by Professor Emmanuel Dandaura. Their task is to ensure that the vision of a globally recognised institution is translated into reality. As Dr. Yakubu Lamai, who is also a member of the PIC, explained during our engagement, UPRL is envisioned as a hub of excellence in scholarship, research, and service, focused on public relations, communication, and leadership.

As the day came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel immense pride in what we were building. This wasn’t just about bricks and mortar, it was about legacy, transformation, and professional excellence. Gudi is about to become more than just a peaceful town; it’s becoming the cradle of a new era in leadership and communication on the global map. And I am so proud to be part of it and to have witnessed the beginning!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NEWS

Image
THREE CONFIRMED DEAD IN A STRANGE DISEASE OUTBREAK AT NIGERIAN MILITARY SCHOOL ZARIA, OTHERS IN CRITICAL CONDITION  Officers and men of the Nigerian Army whose children and wards are enrolled in the Nigerian Military School Zaria were been sighted in their numbers in the school following outbreak of a strange disease and eventual dead of some students. They were their to pick their children and wards - Ideal Reporters gathered. A student died around 10:00 am Friday, to unknown ailments at the military facility. A parent revealed “Another boy died today, we now have 3 students in total who had died as of today. “Our children are no more safe, the army should come out to tell us what’s killing our children. Many are still in critical condition at ABUTH as we talk,” Some students are reportedly hospitalised at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital are said to be battling for survival. The unexpected incident had caused anxiety, leading to parents storming the military...
Read more

Exclusive

Image
THE ONDA EID SKIRMISHES, HON. MOHAMMED SANI OTTO AND THE FALSE NARRATIVE  My attention has been drawn to a viral video making the round on social media in which the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Trade, Industry and Investment, Hon. Mohammed Sani Otto was visibly sighted at Onda Eid Ground.  In the same video, one that was deliberately edited in part, to capture the area that presents a false narrative aimed at misinforming the unsuspecting public about what truly played out.  For the record, let me state that Hon. Mohammed Sani Otto chose to observe Eid-el Fitr prayer with his kinsmen at Onda, out of the love, respect and admiration he has for them, a usual disposition that characterizes him.  On getting to the Eid Ground, he was greeted by skirmishes involving loyalists of the Osu Onda, His Royal Highness, Alh. Abdullahi Kuku and Alh. Usman Ode, a one time contender to the exalted throne of Osu, as both were on ground. Typical of traditional tussles, in...
Read more

Open Memo

Image
Memo to His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule By Murtala Adogi Mohammed Subject: Strategic Recommendations for Nasarawa State’s Development Your Excellency, I commend your proactive decision to dissolve the Executive Council as part of efforts to reposition Nasarawa State for greater progress. This is an excellent opportunity to realign the state’s development priorities and governance structures. With the expiration of the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS) in 2023, it is critical to establish a new development framework before appointing new commissioners.  I recommend setting up a Nasarawa State Development Council to review NEDS I and fast-track the development of NEDS II. This will guide commissioners in creating sectoral plans aligned with the state’s vision. Here are some quick actionable steps: 1. Develop NEDS II Create a four-year strategic plan focusing on youth and gender-responsive initiatives, tackling unemployment, education, healthcare, ...
Read more