COOU PARTICIPATES IN A DAY HYBRID PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF THE NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS (NIPR)

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) on Wednesday, 16th September, 2026, joined other professionals and stakeholders at the One-Day Hybrid Professional Training organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Anambra State Chapter, at De Nobles Hotel and Suites, Awka.

The training, which brought together Public Relations practitioners from different sectors, was centred on the need to restore public confidence, strengthen professional standards and deepen the place of strategic communication in governance, corporate practice and public administration.

Given the professional relevance of the programme to the work of the University's Public Relations Unit, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, nominated members of the Unit to represent the University at the training.

With the theme, “Re-inventing Public Trust, Accountability, Professionalism and Excellence in Anambra State: Harnessing Public Relations Best Practices in the Government, Corporate and Public Sectors,” the programme examined some of the pressing issues confronting Public Relations practice in an increasingly digital and information-driven society.

A recurring point throughout the lectures was the place of trust in Public Relations. Speakers stressed that credibility cannot be built on assumptions, hearsay or unverified information, but through deliberate efforts to establish facts, report accurately and communicate responsibly.

Participants were equally reminded that the reputation of an institution can be strengthened or weakened by the quality of information it puts into the public space. This brought to the fore the importance of sound branding, reputation management and professional judgement in the discharge of Public Relations responsibilities.

Another major area of discussion was the changing nature of the profession in the digital age. Public Relations, participants were reminded, has moved beyond conventional publicity and information dissemination. It now occupies a strategic position in organisational growth, stakeholder engagement, reputation building and the effective use of opportunities presented by the digital economy.

The training also touched on time discipline, accuracy in reporting, research and the continuous accumulation of knowledge, with participants encouraged to see professional development as an ongoing responsibility rather than an occasional exercise.

Representing COOU at the programme were Mr. Felix Joe, Mr. Christopher Ohaerisim, Mr. Ezeorji Uchenna and Miss Nnemelu Chukwuemelie Perpetual.

Speaking during the programme, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, charged Public Relations practitioners to remain present, informed and relevant, noting that the profession demands individuals who are able to understand their environment and communicate effectively within it.

She further emphasised that accountability, trust and professionalism do not begin with institutions but with the individuals who represent them. According to her, practitioners must remain open to learning because “no knowledge is a waste.”

Reflecting on her administration at COOU, Prof. Omenugha noted that her emergence as the substantive Vice-Chancellor came with the vision of the 3Vs, Values, Viability and Visibility, which she described as a philosophy that has become deeply rooted in the University's activities and identity.

The Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the influence of her professional background and membership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations on her journey, stressing that the willingness to learn, acquire new knowledge and remain professionally grounded is essential to achieving meaningful results.

For the COOU Public Relations Unit, participation in the training offered another opportunity to engage with current professional thinking, exchange ideas with practitioners and further strengthen the knowledge required for effective communication in an institution that continues to place emphasis on the 3Vs trajectory; Values, Viability and Visibility.

© COOUNewS, 2026.