University of Abuja has joined forces with the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI) to provide advanced training in Electronic Public Relations (E-PR), Media, and Information Operations. This partnership, aimed at bolstering the skills of military personnel in handling information and media units, marks a significant step in modernizing the Nigerian military’s communication strategies.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Aisha Sani Maikudi, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration, Professor Philip Afaha, praised the Nigerian Army’s Public Relations Directorate for its unwavering commitment to keeping the public informed about the military’s activities and operations. According to Professor Afaha, this collaboration comes at a critical time when the military must enhance its capabilities to effectively manage information in an era of rapidly evolving digital warfare and information manipulation.
In his address, Professor Afaha commended NASPRI’s proactive efforts in seeking advanced knowledge in E-PR, Media, and Information Operations. He stressed that staying ahead of criminal elements in these areas is vital for the military’s effectiveness. “The military should not allow itself to be outthought by criminal elements in the field of Media and Information Operations,” he said, emphasizing the role of the military as the nation’s ultimate safeguard. As media and information have increasingly become key elements of modern warfare, the military must be equipped with the knowledge and tools to protect the nation’s interests in both physical and digital spaces.
The collaboration will grant NASPRI personnel access to a wealth of resources at the University of Abuja, including the institution’s state-of-the-art Digital Library and the expertise of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies. These resources will play a critical role in advancing research, conducting workshops, and organizing seminars aimed at equipping military officers with the necessary skills to excel in media and public relations operations.
Acting Commandant of NASPRI, Lt Col Adamu Ngulde, expressed his appreciation for the partnership, which he noted is timely given NASPRI’s recent relocation to its permanent site at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Giri, Abuja. According to Lt Col Ngulde, the move signifies a new chapter for the institution, and tapping into the University of Abuja’s academic and technical expertise will be instrumental in enhancing the training and development of military personnel from across the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Lt Col Ngulde emphasized that the collaboration is particularly important in today’s world, where effective media and information operations are crucial for national security. He explained that modern warfare extends beyond the battlefield to the realms of public perception and information management. In an age where misinformation and propaganda are prevalent, the military must be prepared to respond swiftly and accurately to protect the country’s image and maintain national stability.
“The ability to manage information effectively has become a core component of national defense. By partnering with the University of Abuja, NASPRI aims to build the capacity of its officers in these critical areas,” Lt Col Ngulde stated. He also highlighted that the partnership will enable NASPRI to leverage the University’s extensive knowledge base and expertise in communication, thereby enhancing the school’s capability to train officers who will play a key role in safeguarding national security through efficient information management.
The partnership comes at a time when global military forces are increasingly recognizing the importance of information warfare in modern conflicts. With adversaries deploying sophisticated propaganda and cyber operations to destabilize nations, the Nigerian military must remain vigilant and adaptive in its approach to media and public relations. By equipping military personnel with cutting-edge skills in E-PR and Media Operations, the University of Abuja and NASPRI aim to ensure that the Nigerian Armed Forces are well-prepared to counter misinformation, shape public narratives, and protect the integrity of the nation.
