Frequently asked questions and answers concerning the professional certification course of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. A coordinated by the Public Relations Academy.

1. The Nigerian Institute of
Public Relations
Professional Course
Academy Nigeria
Everything you need to know.

2. About NIPR
• The Nigerian Institute of Public relations is the Chartered
professional body with the role of regulating public
relations practice and education in Nigeria.
• To become a chattered member of the Institute,
individuals are expected to sit for its certifying exams.
• NIPR Exams are in (3) – Part I, II and II, with 5 courses
in each part, making a total of 15 courses in all.
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3. About NIPR(2)
• The Exams are written twice in a year- June/July
and Nov/Dec.
• The entire programme can be completed within one
(1) year using the accelerated training programme
run by The Public Relations Academy, an affiliate
of The School of Business Communication and
a certified training school for the Institute’s
Examinations.
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4. HOW CREDIBLE
IS THE CERTIFICATION?
• Organized public relations in Nigerian have been since
1963 with the Public relations Association of Nigeria
(PRAN), which later evolved to become the Nigerian
Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
• NIPR became a chartered professional body in 1990 and
since then has been regulating the practice and
education of public relations in Nigeria.
• See letter of accreditation of NIPR
certificate by the Ministry of Education
below.
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5. Academy Nigeria

6. WHAT DO I NEED TO START?
REQUIREMENTS
• Application is open to any individual who desires to build a career
in Public relations, communication, marketing, sales, social media
and other related fields. Also heads of departments and
entrepreneurs can also apply for the programme.
• It doesn’t matter whether you have a science, social science or art
background.
BASIC ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
• You can apply for student membership with any of the following
academic level:
• BSC/BA/HND/Msc in any course area
• OND
• Senior Secondary School Certificate –SSCE
• ( 5 credits including English Language)
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7. I am a graduate; will I be given any
exemptions?
• Graduates of Mass Communication and marketing are
usually given exemptions from the Part I and II
(Certificate stage) of the Public relations Institute’s
Professional exams and required to sit for the final
stage -part III (Diploma stage).
• However, such an applicant will be required to provide
an academic transcript to the institute for
consideration of exemption request.
• Apart from mass communication and marketing
graduates, every other applicant will be required to
start from the certificate stage.
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8. FOR WHOM: This programme is suited for…
• Corporate executives in PR, communications and related
job functions
• Entrepreneurs and head of businesses
• Individuals interested in building a professional public
relations career
• Recent graduates, undergraduates and matured
individuals with SSCE
• Individuals who have a flair for public relations and
communication related roles.
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9. How long does this programme take?
• Though the Institute gives you a maximum of
three (3) years to round up the programme,
you can finish the entire programme in just
one year with the accelerated study option,
which is advisable.
• Note that the exams are written twice in a year
(June/July and Nov/Dec)
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10. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?
• Students can combine part I and part
II(certificate stage) and write in one sitting and
proceed to the final stage in the next sitting.
• Note that exams are written twice in the year-
June/July and Nov/Dec of each year. That
means, you do part I & II in June/July for
instance, and then do the final stage in Nov/Dec
when you passed the 10 courses in the
certificate stage.
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11. Can I break down the courses
and write them in bits?
• Yes you can, but we do not advice you
to. Since the courses are interrelated, the
knowledge of one helps you to deal with
the other.
• This way, it is easier to pass all the
papers when you combine Part I & Part
II.
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12. What BENEFITS do I stand to gain
taking this course?
• So many benefits come with getting the final
diploma of NIPR:
• the training exposes participants to the
fundamentals of public relations practice,
providing sound theoretical framework to
discuss core public relations areas; media
relations dynamics, PR principles, planning and
strategy, communication theories, Stakeholders
and consumer behavior management, corporate
and product branding, PR measurement and
social media analysis.
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13. What you stand to benefit (2)
• Recognized Certification: Participants shall also be awarded
a Professional Diploma in Public Relations from the Public
Relations Institute, which is an equivalent of a BSC/HND
certification, as it can be used for a Masters programme in
selected universities like;
• University of Nigeria, Nsuka University of Ibadan, Lagos state
university, University of Uyo, University of Calabar, Olabisi
Onabanjo University and more…
• An NYSC exemption certificate is usually issued.
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14. International Recognition:
• NIPR qualification is also recognized by
international universities as well and can be
used for post graduate programmes in
universities in London, Canada and other top
rate foreign universities.
• All that will be required is your academic
transcript from NIPR after the completion of
your programme.
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15. Benefits to Fresh Graduate
• Become highly skilled and knowledgeable
• Good job prospects
• You can apply for jobs in any industry irrespective
of your background
• You can develop a career path in Public relations
• Consideration for employment ahead of peers with
no added professional qualifications
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16. Benefits to career executives
• Improve personal communication and writing
skill
• Increase earning potential with the certification
• A platform for career change
• Membership of the PR professional association
• Job efficiency and opportunity for advancement
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17. Study options
• Pros package
Practical, hands-on and designed for individuals with real interest in building a
career in public relations. Also prepares them for the certifying exams.
• Success package
For individuals interested in just acquiring the PR certification for career
advancement purposes.
• Correspondence Option
• Individuals outside Lagos or Abuja where there are lecture centers. They are
provided learning tools (study materials, audio lectures, e-books) and study
support.
• Private options
Individuals who want the training at the convenience of their time and schedule.
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18. What is the cost
Certificate stage Diploma stage
• Pros Package = 110,000 N80,000
• Success Package = N85,000 N55,000
• Correspondence = N35, 000 N25,000
• Private tutoring =N150,000 N100,00
*An additional fee of N30,000 – 50,000 will apply for the private tutoring option,
depending on the location and schedule of the individual involved.
• Exemption fees = N30,000
(for graduates of mass communication)
• Course registration (paid one month to exams)
and exam fee
Certificate stage (part I & II). = N33, 000
Diploma Stage = N23,000
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19. Are there discounts on fees?
• The following group of people can access discount offers
• Group registration
• Youth Corpers , Undergraduates and SSCE
holders below 26yrs
• Referral from our Corporate partners
• Referral from our Alumni and past students
• Email pracademynigeria@gmail.com to find out what
discounts you can benefit.
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20. LECTURE SCHEDULE:
Students can choose from the following lecture
schedules
Weekends: For working class and executives and
entrepreneurs busy during weekdays. Lectures hold
on:
• Saturday – 9am- 2pm
• Sunday – 12 – 4pm
• Weekdays/Private Session: For individuals who
are busy during the weekends and free by
weekdays. The schedule for this is usually arranged
to meet the student’s timing and convenience.
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21. Where is the lecture center?
• Lagos: Maria Lodge, 19 Ikorodu Road, Maryland.
Land Marks: Sentinel Event Center, Association of
Friends, Close to Maryland BRT Bus Stop.
• Students from Abuja, Portharcourt and other states
should contact: 08098023336
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22. Want to speak to someone?
• Email: pracademynigeria@gmail.com
• PHONE:
• Call/Whatsapp : 08098023336
• Call only 08102562726.
• @PRacademyNG
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