The Department of Strategic Communication and Media Studies, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, has held its Public Relations Day 2026 with the theme “Getting Started with Public Relations.” The event took place at the TETFund Auditorium, Room 4.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Dr. Manasseh Umoette, was the Guest of Honour. He praised the department for organizing the programme, saying it would expose students to industry professionals and give them practical experience beyond the classroom.
Speaking on the theme, Dr. Umoette explained that Public Relations is about building and maintaining a good relationship between an organisation and its publics. He said a good reputation is very important and can only be achieved through trust, honesty, and effective communication. He stressed that PR practitioners must have strong writing, speaking, and listening skills and must understand how the media works.
He also highlighted the importance of ethics and professionalism in PR, noting that credibility and truthfulness are key to the profession. From a biblical perspective, he said PR aligns with values such as integrity, truth, and peaceful living, adding that a good name is more valuable than riches.
Dr. Umoette further explained that research, planning, and practical experience are important for anyone starting a career in PR. He encouraged students to embrace internships, volunteering, and continuous learning, especially in digital and social media communication.
The event was moderated by Dr. Aniekan James, who described strategic communication as intentional communication with a clear goal. He said the programme was designed to give students practical insights from industry players to support their theoretical knowledge. He thanked the guest speaker and other PR professionals for finding time to groom the upcoming PR practitioners.
Present at the event were Dr. Unwana Charles, Head of Department, Mass Communication; Dr. Uduak Iwok; Dr. Edet Abia; Mr. Patrick Udoh; and Mr. Etimbuk Ette, among others.
In a vote of thanks, Miss Comfort David appreciated all participants and speakers for attending the event. She promised, on behalf of the students, that they would leverage the lessons from the programme to improve their knowledge and practice of public relations.
