Information, Publication and Protocol Unit

Information/Publication/Protocol (IPP) Unit

Introduction

Information/Publication/Protocol Unit

The IPP Unit was created in 1980 (in the then Rivers State University of Science and Technology). As a Unit in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, its primary goal is to project the image of the University as well as create goodwill and mutual understanding between the University and the public.

As a Unit in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, the then Coordinator – Dr. Sydney C. Enyindah, was the Head/Public Relations Officer who coordinated the affairs of the Unit and reported directly to the Vice-Chancellor. Between 2015 and 2022, the Following officers have served as Head or Coordinator of the Unit:

Information/Publication/Protocol Unit

Objectives of the Unit

• To Project the image and reputation of the University to the public.
• To monitor Newspapers, Radio and Information about the University.
• To build a good relationship between the University and other institutions of higher learning.
• To create an environment for excellence and creativity for all.

Prospects of the Unit

• The Unit is hopeful that with time, tangible progress will be made towards achieving the overall goal of the University.

Achievements of the Unit

• Increase in staff strength
• Our Bulletin is judged as one of the best in all Nigerian Universities/Tertiary Institutions
• Our Bulletin/Newsletter could be viewed online
• The reputation and image of the University has tremendously improved due to the quality of our press releases. As a result many organizations and corporate bodies are now partnering with us
• We have a standard archive for all our photos and video tapes.

Upcoming Events

• Convocation Ceremony
• Inaugural Lectures
• Inspection/ Commissioning of University Campus

Duties and Responsibilities of the Unit

• Create goodwill and mutual understanding between the University and the public;
• Serve as a link between the University and the Press;
• Arranging courtesy calls by the University administration, Governing Council, Faculties, Departments and Units;
• Prepare Press Releases;
• Daily monitoring of Newspapers/Radio and TV broadcast for report in the university in particular and higher education generally;
• Organize Press Conferences for the Vice-Chancellor;
• Ensuring proper protocol at University functions;
• Ensuring that the University Bulletins are published on the website and that the website is up-to-date;
• Liaise with the University’s Alumni Association;
• Serves as the link between the Management and all the faculties, departments and unit in the collation of data and necessary information on research findings and ensure that such findings are published regularly as special releases;
• Receiving visitors on behalf of the University and ensuring their comfort;
• Prepares accommodation, logistics and transport for the University’s Guests
• Prepare University’s Publications such as:

(i) News Bulletin

(ii) Newsletter

(iii) University Calendar

(iv) Update of all International/Reference Books

• Cover all programmes of the Univeristy;
• Assist in the Planning/Execution of University’s Programmes such as:

(i) Convocation Ceremony

(ii) Matriculation Ceremony

(iii) Inaugural Lectures

(iv) Conferences/Workshops

(v) Faculty/Departmental Seminars.

• Perform other assignments as directed by the Vice-Chancellor or the Registrar.

Profile of Current Head of Unit

**Victor G. Banigo (**Ag. Public Relations Officer)

Career Profile

A self-motivated MA Applied Communication graduate with relevant academic and practical experience working as an Administrator and Public Relations Officer. A strong team player with a proven range of transferable skills, including excellent time management, project management, report and press release writing skills. This is coupled with a keen interest in delivering organizational goals creatively and working independently and collaboratively to solve problems through research.

Education

Jan. 2015 – Jan. 2016 Coventry University, United Kingdom, MA Applied Communication (Distinction)

Mar. 2002 – Jul. 2006 Rivers State University of Science and Technology, BSc Mass Communication (2:2)

Dec. 2000 West African Senior School Certificate (GCSE equivalent)

5 subjects at grades B-C including Mathematics and English.

Work Experience

Sept. 2015 – Dec. 2015 UK Work Experience, Centre for Global Engagement, Coventry University, United Kingdom – Project Officer

24 Aug. 2015 – 28 Aug. 2015 St. Oswald’s Summer School, Tile Hill, United Kingdom; Volunteer

Jun. 2010 – Dec. 2014 & Jan. 2016 – present; Rivers State University

• Assisting the Unit in implementing Management decisions concerning information dissemination within and outside the University.
• Writing of Press Releases and mailing them electronically to various news organisations.
• Interviewing stakeholders to the University and writing of feature and news stories for in-house publication.
• Editing and proof reading news stories for in-house news bulletin.
• Preparing public address system for University’s programmes like Inaugural Lectures, Seminars, Conferences and Trainings.
• Receiving pressmen and ensuring that they are well seated during University’s programmes.
• Currently serving as the Acting Head, Information / Publications / Protocol Unit & Ag. Public Relations Officer of the University

Mar. 2008 – Sep. 2008 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) – Kebbi State President Editorial Community Development Service (CDS) Group

• Organizing and presiding over weekly meetings of the CDS.
• Served as the Editor-in-Chief of NYSC magazine “Kebbi Kopa”.
• Edited, proof read all materials, with creative page planning before publication.
• Inspired members to source for adverts.
• Coordinated the planning and printing of NYSC Kebbi State 2008 Year Book.

Additional Skills

Memberships and Certificates

• Coordinator, Rivers State University Mass Choir
• Public Relations Officer, Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA)
• Associate Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)
• Secretary, Ibani Christian Fellowship
• Member, Bonny Graduates Forum
• Member, Rivers State University Alumni Association
• UK Work Experience Validation Certificate, Coventry University, United Kingdom.
• Oswald’s Summer School Certificate, United Kingdom.
• Certificate of National Service for completing the National Youth Service Corps Decree No.51 of 1993.
• Letter of Commendation from the Kebbi State NYSC Governing Board “for marvelous contributions to the development of the State.

PROJECTS

Feb. 2008 – Oct. 2008 Kebbi Book Club

Initiated a readers club for students which inspired them to imbibe reading culture. As the coordinator, negotiated with philanthropists to donate funds used in purchasing books and organized a quiz competition where prizes were given to participants and winners.

March 2004 – Jul 2006 Campus Pen Newspaper (RSUST)

Initiated a campus-based newspaper and motivated fellow students to join as reporters. The newspaper served as platform to translate Mass Communication theories into practice, thereby providing current information to the University community.

Structure Of The IPP

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Name | Rank | Area Of Specialization | Email Victor G. Banigo | Senior Assistant Registrar/Ag. University PRO | | [email protected] Pius Rita | Administrative Officer I | | [email protected] Egwurugwu Chioma Queen | Administrative Officer I | | [email protected] Richard Ahiakwo | Administrative Officer II | | [email protected] Shedrack Kingdom | Administrative Officer II | | [email protected] Egeonu Hachikaru | Higher Executive Officer | | [email protected] Wele Beatrice Chika | Information Officer II | | [email protected] Chukwu Chidi Michael | Information Officer II | | [email protected] Kelechi Eyindah | Clerical Officer | | [email protected] Eguma Ake | Photographer | | Wosu Kenneth Asour | Driver | | [email protected]