The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), in partnership with the Nasarawa State Government, has performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the proposed University of Public Relations and Leadership (UPRL) in the state.
The university will be located at Gudi in Akwanga Local Government Area.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations of NIPR, Mr Stanley Ogadigo.
Speaking at the event, the President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, expressed optimism that the institution would position Nigeria as a global hub for leadership and communication excellence.
Neliaku said the transition of the project from concept to execution reflected the commitment of Gov. Abdullahi Sule to nurturing a new generation of leaders.
“The governor is sending a clear message to Nigeria and the world that Nasarawa State is at the centre of history.
“The establishment of this kind of specialised university shows responsible use of influence and a strong commitment to leadership development,” he said.
In his remarks, Gov. Abdullahi Sule thanked the Global Alliance and the NIPR for selecting Nasarawa State as the host of the project.
He said the university would deliver significant developmental benefits to the state, particularly in education, capacity building and job creation.
“The Nasarawa State Government is fully committed to completing this project and will provide the necessary support to ensure its success.
“By November 2026, the first set of students will be matriculated into the university,” the governor said.
The ground-breaking ceremony also signalled that academic activities at the university are expected to commence ahead of Nigeria’s hosting of the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in 2026.
The UPRL initiative was first presented to the Nasarawa State Government in January 2025, followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in July 2025, culminating in the official ground-breaking of the project.