NIPR Certification: Ajuri Ngelale’s Appointment Questionable

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has clarified that it is a criminal offence to appoint spokespeople without certification in public relations, as per their law established in 1990. The law prohibits practicing public relations without NIPR certification, under any title. However, the current Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu, Ajuri Ngelale, is not a certified member of the institute, raising questions about his qualifications for the role and his position in the Tinubu Presidency.

A governing council member of NIPR stated that Ngelale lacks the necessary knowledge and training in public relations, making him ‘fit’ for his current role. The law also stipulates that it is not only the appointing body but also the individual practicing public relations without certification, suggesting that the government may be in violation of this law in appointing Ngelale as a spokesperson.

Ngelale has made several errors in his official statements, such as falsely claiming that President Tinubu was the first African leader to ring the bell at the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) during his visit to the United States and making incorrect statements about the lifting of the UAE’s visa ban on Nigerians after a bilateral meeting between President Tinubu and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. These discrepancies have raised concerns about Ngelale’s qualifications and ability to effectively serve as a spokesperson.

Credit: Sahara Reporters