By Hosea Parah, Abuja

The University of Abuja has announced a significant partnership with the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI) to provide specialized training in Electronic Public Relations (E-PR), Media, and Information Operations. This collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of personnel in the Information Units of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr. Aisha Sani Maikudi, a distinguished Professor of International Law, made this commitment during a meeting with Lieutenant Colonel Adamu Ngulde, the Acting Commandant of NASPRI, at the VC’s Conference Room in the Senate Building. The Vice Chancellor was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration, Professor Philip Afaha, who warmly welcomed the NASPRI delegation.

Professor Afaha commended the Directorate of Army Public Relations for its timely updates on military activities, emphasizing the importance of keeping both Nigerians and the global community informed. He lauded NASPRI’s proactive approach in seeking advanced knowledge in E-PR and Media Operations, asserting that it is crucial for the Military to stay ahead of criminal elements in the media landscape. “A country’s last line of defense is its Military,” he stated.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor further expressed the University’s willingness to collaborate with NASPRI in offering training programs focused on contemporary practices in Public Relations. He highlighted the resources available to NASPRI, including access to the University’s Digital Library, the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, as well as expert faculty members for research, workshops, and seminars.

During the visit, Lt. Col. Ngulde explained that the purpose of his visit was to familiarize himself with the University following NASPRI’s relocation from Bonny Cantonment to its new site at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Giri, Abuja, on November 6, 2023. He emphasized the importance of leveraging the knowledge and expertise of the University’s faculty to enhance the education of officers and personnel from the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The meeting concluded with a series of photographs and the presentation of a commemorative plaque, symbolizing the partnership between the two institutions. This collaboration is set to bolster the skills and knowledge of military personnel, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern media and public relations.