Rivers counsels varsity on robust PR to boost funding, global recognition
The Rivers State government has urged the management of the Rivers State University, Nkpolu–Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt to develop a robust public relations presence to attract external funding to the institution.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson made the call while presenting his keynote address at the opening ceremony of a two-day workshop themed ‘Public Relations and Protocol: Strategies to Promote the University’s Image,’ organized by the university’s Information/Publications/Protocol Unit.
Represented by the former General Manager of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Celestine Ogolo, the commissioner emphasized that government funding alone is insufficient to address the challenges facing tertiary education.
He said, “The fact remains that government funding alone is insufficient to address the myriad challenges facing tertiary education.
“It is important that a university maintains effective public relations. In the ever-competing environment, we find ourselves in the absence of or poor public relations and may fail to attract good students, research and funding opportunities.
“It is the responsibility of the public relations unit to ensure that the reputation of this university is enhanced and seen as an essential, forward-thinking leader in education, research, and social impact.”
He recommended that the university leverage its achievements through the public relations unit and establish a Public Relations Week annually.
He enthused, “Recently, this institution achieved a major recognition as a Centre for International Training and Research under the United Nations Institute for Training and Research.
“The prestigious recognition places RSU among a select group of institutions worldwide, positioning it as a hub for leadership training, sustainable development, education and capacity building.
“Beyond the academic prestige, this development carries significant financial and economic benefits for Rivers State, RSU, and its students.”
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Nlerum Okogbule highlighted the significance of the workshop and called on the government to improve the institution’s infrastructure and equipment.
Represented by the Director of Academic Planning of the RSU, Prof. Precious Edeh, the VC said, “This function is very important because every institution, every organization needs a strong vibrant and up-to-date public relations arm.
“And in our university, given our location and the wide array of programmes we offer, there are always activities going on in the university that the whole world needs to know about and it is the public relations unit of this university that does that on behalf of the university.
“We want more. We are growing rapidly and we need to recruit more hands, we need to expand the laboratories, we need to expand our facilities and it is only the state government that can help us achieve that.”
