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 June 1st 1990 through Decree No. 16 (now an Act of the Federal Republic of Nigeria). By virtue of this law, NIPR derived the power to register members, regulate and monitors 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, from which 17 were elected and 5 appointed by the federal government of Nigeria every two years. The President and Vice president are elected by electoral college constituted by the council to preside over the affairs of the institute. There after they are referred to as Chairman and Vice Chairman 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.

From inception till date (1963 – 2014), the Institute has produced thirteen (13) Presidents.

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 –till date

THE PIONEERS

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.