Irish Academy of Public Relations Announces Agreement with Dorben Polytechnic in Nigeria to Teach Their Courses

Online, March 24, 2014 (Newswire.com) - The Irish Academy of Public Relations announced today (24 Mar 2014) that it has entered into a formal agreement with Dorben Polytechnic in Abuja, Nigeria. It is the first college in Africa to offer the Irish Academy's courses. The first 40 Academy students started their courses in January this year.

Students are studying for the Academy's Certificate in Public Relations, Certificate in Journalism and the Diploma in Event Management. Dorben Polytechnic is a highly respected educational institution, with a total enrolment of 3,500 students.

Commenting on this new venture, the Director of the Irish Academy of Public Relations, Ellen Gunning said, "We have students studying with us online all over the world. This is the first time that we have licensed a college in Africa to teach our courses and we are delighted with the association with Dorben Polytechnic. It is a progressive college which shares our vision of quality education, and our ethos of taking a life-long interest in our students. I had the pleasure of meeting the first Academy students in Abuja when I was over this month".

The formal agreement between the education institutions came about following a meeting between Dr. and Mrs. Ekwere, President and Registrar of Dorben Polytechnic and Ellen Gunning in Dublin last year. The significance of this agreement was highlighted by the presence of the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Fay, when the partnership was announced in Abuja last week.

Recognising the value of education to the lives of his students, Dr. Ekwere commented, "I have always tried to offer my students courses which empower them to earn their own living. I believe that the combination of education and practical skills instilled in students through the Academy's courses will give each of our graduates the best possible opportunity in life".

There is a great demand for public relations and event management education in Nigeria. As a direct result of the Academy's course, an Event Management Association has been launched in Nigeria. Earlier this month they hosted the first ever National Event Management Conference in Abuja. The director of The Irish Academy, Ellen Gunning, was a keynote speaker.