These publications provide relevant information to all stakeholders.
The unit also monitors public opinion in order to measure public acceptability of the institution’s activities, policies, and programmes, as well as identify public concerns and expectations.
It is the custodian of all milestone events, newspaper publications about the University, broadcast materials, press releases, speeches, and other communication materials.
The public relations unit writes copies of corporate advertisements based on requests from relevant Faculties/Departments/Units and specific events like congratulatory messages, and obituaries, among others.
It coordinates all arrangements for corporate and official functions such as graduation/matriculation ceremonies, inaugural lectures, University lectures, distinguished guest lectures, receptions for dignitaries, courtesy visits, as well as welcome/send-forth parties.
The unit organises press conferences, interviews, radio/TV talks, and other media relations activities at the directive of the Vice-Chancellor.
Finally, the unit carries out any other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, or other Principal Officers.
DR NGOZI OKIRIDU is a Deputy Registrar and Head of the Public Relations Unit.
She assumed office as the institution’s second substantive Public Relations Officer in 2011, after the late Mr Andrew Ohaka.
She is a graduate of English and holds Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counselling (Special Education Option).
Apart from overseeing the Public Relations Unit, Dr Okiridu is a part-time lecturer at the Centre for Continuing Education of the University.
She is an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), a member of the National Association for Exceptional Children (NAEC) and a member of Nigeria Association of Special Education Teachers. (NASET).
Mrs Ofiyekinen Sweiyi Fiddo is a Principal Assistant Registrar (PAR).
She helps translate the unit’s vision and mission by establishing, building, and maintaining mutual relationships between the university, host communities, and the general public.
She holds a B.Sc and M.A. degrees in Mass Communication with a specialty in Public Relations and Advertising.
She is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter.
Tunde Uchegbuo is a journalist and the lead content writer in the unit.
He is proficient at Editing, Worldpress and B2B content writing.
He holds a Certificate in French, a Bachelor’s degree in English and Education, a Reuters/Facebook Certificate in Digital Journalism, a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism, and a Master’s degree in Communication.
He started a career in Journalism in 2003 as a trainee reporter and is currently a Senior Assistant Registrar (SAR) Public Relations.
He is a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Association of Communication Scholars and Practitioners of Nigeria, and the International Communication Association.
He has published some scholarly papers.
Tunde Uchegbuo served as the acting head of the unit until the appointment of a substantive Public Relations Officer.
Bara I. Ignatius is a Principal Confidential Secretary.
She holds a Ph.D in Business Education (Office and Information Management) from the University of Uyo. She is a researcher and has proven knowledge of the use of ICT.
She is a member of some professional bodies such as the Association of Business Educators of Nigeria (ABEN) and has published and presented conference papers in some national journals.
Dr Bara has handled academic work both at undergraduate and graduate levels and has a vast knowledge of administrative work.