The leaderships of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and Nasarawa State Government have taken decisive, practical steps toward establishing the proposed University of Public Relations and Leadership (UPRL), Gudi, the world’s first sector-based university dedicated exclusively to Public Relations and Leadership.

Promoted by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in partnership with the Nasarawa State Government and four national and international partners, the project positions Nigeria as a global pacesetter in professional communication education.

An inspection of the permanent site in Gudi was conducted in preparation for the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Friday, 26 December 2025, to be performed by H.E. Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, Governor of Nasarawa State. That the Governor is undertaking this milestone on a day set aside to celebrate his birthday, stakeholders say, underscores the state’s uncommon commitment to the project’s timely delivery.

Speaking at the site on Tuesday, 22nd December 2025, the Chairman of the Project Implementation Committee and Vice President of NIPR, Prof. Emmanuel S. Dandaura, affirmed that the project implementation committee of proposed university remains firmly focused to put facilities on ground to ensure commencement of operations on 20 November 2026 as scheduled in the programme of events for the World Public Relations Forum, Abuja 2026

“UPRL is on course. This is not just another university; it is a global reference point for the professionalisation of public relations and leadership,” he said.

The inspection covered the Senate Building and other critical take-off structures for the first phase. Prof. Dandaura was received by the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Muazu Adamu Gosho, who, alongside senior officials, conducted him round the designated development areas, a clear signal of government backing.

Describing the project as “legacy work,” Prof. Dandaura added that foundations would be laid immediately, with structures rising by January, reflecting the Governor’s hands-on commitment to delivery.

Also present at the site were officials of Shelter Development Nigeria Limited and M&S Construction Limited, contractors handling the Senate Building, roads, and other essential take-off facilities