By Nkechi Eze
The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria has endorsed the establishment of the Association of Agricultural Research Institutes and Colleges Public Relations Officers (AARIC-PRO), in a move aimed at strengthening institutional communication, professionalism, and coordinated information management across its ecosystem.
According to an official signed statement by the Secretary of AARIC-PRO, Ogunderu Itunu, the Executive Secretary of ARCN, Adamu Abubakar Dabban, gave the endorsement on Monday, April 27, 2026, while receiving the pioneer executives of the association during a courtesy visit to his office.
The visit was part of efforts by the newly formed body to secure institutional backing for the professionalisation and strategic integration of Public Relations functions across agricultural research institutes and colleges under ARCN.
Speaking during the engagement, the Founding National Coordinator of AARIC-PRO, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Khadija Ameen, outlined the association’s objective to reposition Public Relations from a routine information unit into a strategic management function capable of enhancing institutional visibility, building stakeholder confidence, and supporting national priorities in agriculture and food security.
She noted that the initiative aligns with the Executive Secretary’s broader communication and visibility agenda observed during his recent familiarisation tour of ARCN institutions nationwide.
Responding, Dr. Dabban described the initiative as timely and strategic, noting that it would enhance coordinated communication and improve the public image of institutions within the ARCN system. He directed the association to submit a formal proposal through the Directorate of Administration for consideration and possible adoption.
He further indicated that, upon approval, the Council would mandate heads of institutions to establish functional Public Relations units, equip them adequately, and support structured capacity development for personnel.
The ARCN boss also emphasised the need for standardisation of practice, urging Public Relations Officers across the system to obtain certification from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations within six months, stressing that professionalism in the field is no longer optional.
In her remarks, the Director of Administration, Mrs. Kalimat Balogun, commended the initiative, highlighting the importance of structured communication systems in enhancing institutional visibility and performance.
Key resolutions from the meeting included the introduction of quarterly coordination meetings for Public Relations Officers, regular reporting of communication activities, and sustained capacity building through workshops and conferences.
Institutions were also encouraged to produce periodic publications showcasing research outputs and milestones, while a joint ecosystem-wide publication was proposed to further consolidate visibility efforts.
The Executive Secretary expressed support for the proposed maiden AARIC-PRO conference scheduled for October 2026 and urged the association to commence preparations immediately.
The development marks a significant step toward institutionalising Public Relations as a strategic management function within Nigeria’s agricultural research and training institutions.
