The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has made a significant disclosure regarding Ajuri Ngelale, who serves as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the NIPR, Mr. Ngelale is not a certified member of their institute.
It is important to note that the law governing the NIPR stipulates that practising public relations without the requisite certification and licencing is a criminal offence.
In a statement provided to PRNigeria by the recently elected members of the governing council, led by Dr. Ike Neliaku, the institute revealed that Mr. Ngelale lacks the fundamental knowledge and essential training in public relations.
Consequently, they argue that he may not be considered adequately qualified for the prestigious position he currently holds within the Tinubu Presidency.
“We have checked our records and membership register and we could not find Ajuri Ngelale in the list. One can be a good writer, broadcaster or journalist, but there are set parameters of knowledge a communicator needs to acquire including qualification before he/she can practice Public Relations in Nigeria.
“The law establishing NIPR provides laid-down rules about appointing spokespersons which also makes it a criminal offence for anybody to practice Public Relations by whatever name without certification by the Institute.
“In fact the NIPR act stipulates punishment for illegal practice including imprisonment, fine, or both,” said one of the governing council members who spoke in confidence.