The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) - NIPR, Nigeria

NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS - NIPR

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) hitherto known as the Public Relations Association of Nigeria (until when it was renamed in 1972) was established in 1963. The body attained the status of a Chartered Institute in June 1990 through Decree No. 16 (now an Act of the Federal Republic of Nigeria). By virtue of this law, NIPR derived the power to register members, regulate the practice/development of the PR Profession and monitor professional conducts through an established Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct regime. As it is the practice with respectable professional organizations everywhere, the law allows standard academic and professional qualifications for admissions into the Institute.

At the helm of the Institute’s affairs is the President, assisted by a Vice President – in a 22-member Governing Council, from which 17 are elected and 5 appointed by the federal government of Nigeria every two years. The President and Vice President are elected by electoral college constituted by the council to preside over the affairs of the institute, thereafter, they are referred to as Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively. Administratively, the council appoints a Registrar, whose duty among others, is to prepare and maintain the register of members in accordance with the rules made by the Council.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE

The NIPR’s primary objectives are to advance the standards of the public relations profession and to provide members with professional development opportunities. An important element to the Institute’s growth and development is the advisory input and creativity of a large body of leadership from within the membership.

Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Public Relations Practitioners Decree No. 16 of 1990 empowers the Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations to determine what standards of knowledge and skills are to be attained by Public Relations practitioners. For high standards of practice. The Institute must from time to time update its Code of Professional Conduct. The decree empowers the Council to make bylaws and other rules not inconsistent with this decree as to acts which constitute professional misconduct.

VISION & MISSION

·       To provide a professional structure for the practice of public relations.

·       To enhance the ability and status of our members as professional practitioners.

·       To represent and serve the professional interests of our members.

·       To provide opportunities for members to meet and exchange views and ideas.

·    To raise standards within the profession through the promotion of best practice – including the production of best practice guides, case studies, training events and our continuous professional development scheme ‘Developing Excellence’.

The aim of the Institute is:

·       To be the leading regional public relations organization.

·    To unite the PR profession and bring all persons / organizations under a common banner.

·       To represent the industry on PR issues so as to establish growth for the profession as a whole.

·       To enhance the image of public relations in Nigeria

THE COUNCIL

The Council is the governing body of the Institute. Council members directly elect the President and the Vice President sitting as an electoral college. Ultimately all acts undertaken by the NIPR’s officers and staff are in the name of, and with the authority of, the Council.

STANDING COMMITTEES

There are currently four ‘Standing Committees’:

·       Membership;

·       Professional Practices;

·       Training and Development;

·       Business Services & Revenue.

A member of staff is allocated to each committee to provide advice and support. A Disciplinary Committee meets when necessary to consider references to it by the Professional Practices Committee.

GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION BY COUNCIL

NIPR’s 22-member Governing Council composed of 17 elected members sitting as an electoral college, and 5 members appointed by the Federal Government. Acting on behalf of Council as the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, the President provides leadership in the management of NIPR business through the chapters, committees and the National Secretariat.

STATE CHAPTERS

NIPR branch organization in States which are called Chapters. Each has an elected executive council led by a chairman.

ETHICS CODE

Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Public Relations Practitioners Decree No. 16 of 1990 empowers the Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations to determine what standards of knowledge and skills are to be attained by Public Relations practitioners. For high standards of practice, the Institute must from time to time update its Code of Professional Conduct. The decree empowers the Council to make bylaws and other rules not inconsistent with this decree as to acts which constitute professional misconduct.

In pursuance of the provision of the decree, the Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations hereby makes the following Bye Laws to be known as “The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Code of Professional Conduct Bye-laws No. 1 of 1992

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

NIPR MEMBERSHIP

As a member of NIPR you can be sure of access to an exclusive range of benefits and services designed especially for you. Whether you’re looking for examples of PR excellence, advice on an issue affecting you at work, other members in your industry sector to talk to or simply support if you need it – we can help you. Membership of NIPR is open to anyone working or interested in public relations.

THE MEANING OF MEMBERSHIP

Membership of the Institute represents a statement that the holder is a qualified professional practitioner in Public Relations, subscribes to the Code of Ethics and the Professional Standards Guide. The Institute provides opportunities for life-long learning to help you grow professionally. Also, it helps members to specialize in different areas of PR. Every member is expected to be active and as a member of a chapter. Members are required to serve in various workshop committees and assignments as may be necessary.

HOW NIPR CAN HELP

The Secretariat can help if you would like:

·       Advice on which grade to apply for.

·       Information on obtaining a sponsorship signature to support your application.

·       Details on upgrading your membership application form.

Membership Criteria

Qualifications for membership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations are periodically reviewed to meet the requirements by the public and the organized private sector (industry and commerce). In 1998, a decision was reached that all entrants must hold any of the following qualifications:

·       The Institute’s Professional Certificate and Diploma in Public Relations

·    CAM Foundation Certificate and Diploma in Communications Studies and Public Relations

·       British Institute of Public Relations Membership Diploma

·  Business Education Examinations Council (BEEC) Professional Certificate and Diploma in Public Relations

·   B.A., B.Sc., HND, MA., MSc., or Ph.D in Public Relations; B.Sc., B.A. (Mass Communications), MBA with major / specialization in PR; or any recognized equivalent qualification.

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES

Membership categories depend on an individual’s personal education and professional achievements in Public Relations as outlined below:

FELLOW (FNIPR)

Fellowship of the Institute is the highest level of professional recognition by the Institute. Procedure for award of Fellowship is constantly reviewed to project the highest professional standards.

A Fellow has voting rights in the Institute affairs and may use the letter FNIPR for so long as he/she meets all relevant obligations to NIPR.

HONORARY FELLOW [FNIPR (HON.)

Council may, at its discretion, confer Honorary Fellowship on leaders of non-government, corporate, political and other professional organizations, who have shown considerable and remarkable interest and contributed positively to the advancement of the core values of or the aims and practice of Public Relations in Nigeria.

MEMBER (MNIPR)

Persons who have been an Associate Member for at least five years and who are adjudged to be eligible by qualification and experience.

A member has voting right in the Institute’s affairs and may use the letter MNIPR for so long as he/she remains paid-up and active member at chapter/national levels.

ASSOCIATE (ANIPR)

Persons who have been a Graduate Member for at least three years and who are adjudged by Council to be eligible by qualification and experience.

An associate has voting rights in the Institute’s affairs may use the letter ANIPR, for so long as he/she remains paid-up and active member at chapter/national levels.

GRADUATE

Graduate category is available to persons having one or more of the approved qualifications but without the necessary practical experience required for associate grade.

A graduate-member may not vote in the affairs of the Institute but has other rights and privileges.

A graduate member may use the letter GNIPR for so long as he/she remains paid-up and active member at chapter/national levels.

STUDENT

Student membership is open to all those who at the time of application are studying for an NIPR or any of the approved qualifications. Student membership may not last for more than three years. No membership certificate is issued

MEMBERSHIP FEES

All new members (except student, affiliate studying and global affiliate) pay a one-off admission fee on joining. A full year’s membership subscription is also payable on joining. The fee depends on the grade of membership applied for. See box for details:

With effect from June 1, 2015 the following fees are applicable

LEVEL	FEE (NGN - Naira)
Fellow (FNIPR)	25,000.00
Member (MNIPR)	15,000.00
Associate (ANIPR)	10,000.00
Graduate	5,000.00
Student Registration Fee	5,000.00

HOW TO PAY

Payment can be made by cheque (made payable to the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations), or by directly into NIPR account.

BANK NAME:                       UNION BANK

ACCOUNT NUMBER:         0005794220

Please confirm payment information from the Institute before making any payment.

The website of the Institute is http://www.nipr.org.ng/

MEMBERSHIP UPGRADE

UPGRADE PROCEDURE

The following guidelines relate to Graduate and Associate members of the Institute who wish to proceed to higher membership of the Institute. They are required to apply for an upgrading form.

UPGRADING OF GRADUATES

Graduates are eligible to be upgraded to the Associate grade if they have been employed at the time of application for a minimum of two years either in a recognized PR appointment or a recognized position within PR education.

UPGRADING OF ASSOCIATES

Associates who have obtained the NIPR qualification or recognized equivalent or higher PR qualification, are eligible for full membership provided they have been employed in a recognized area of PR for at least five years.

ADMISSION OF STUDENTS

Students who have satisfactorily completed the NIPR professional examinations, or other recognized qualifications should apply for the appropriate grade of membership.

If you are unable to download this information and would like to receive an application form by post, please email your name and postal address to:

info@nipr-ng.org

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXAMINATION

Application is open to individuals who desire to build career in Public Relations, Communication, Marketing, Sales, Social Media, Media and Advertising and other related fields.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

You can apply for student membership with any of the following qualifications:

·       MSc/BSc/BA/HND in any course

·       OND in any discipline

·  Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE)/General Certificate of Education (GCE)/NECO with 5 credits including English

COURSES & EXAMS

The NIPR exams are in three (3) parts - Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 with five (5) courses in each part, making  a total of 15 courses in all

The Parts 1 and 2 of the examination is referred to as the Professional Certificate Stage. This two parts in the stage can be written together. The Part 3 of the exam is the Professional Diploma stage.

The exams are usually written two times in a year. The exam comes up in June/July and Nov/Dec every year.

The courses in each stage is shown below:

Professional Certificate

           

                        PART 1

Paper 1	Principles of Public Relations
Paper 2	Business Administration and Management
Paper 3	Principles of Psychology and Sociology
Paper 4	Public Relations Media and Methods
Paper 5	Communication Theories and Practice

                        PART 2

Paper 6	Economics
Paper 7	Public Relations for Private & Public Sectors
Paper 8	Public Relations in Government
Paper 9	Research & Evaluation in Public Relations
Paper 10	Comparative Public Relations Systems

Professional Diploma

The Professional Diploma is a five paper examination which is case study oriented. It is the third part of NIPR professional examinations and the subjects include:

                        PART 3

Paper 11	Public Relations, Policy, Planning and Strategy
Paper 12	Corporate / Product Brand Management
Paper 13	Media Relations Dynamics and Management
Paper 14	Stakeholder Relations Management
Paper 15	Marketing and Advertising Management in Public Relations

EXEMPTION

Graduates of Mass Communication and Marketing are usually given exemptions from the Parts 1 and 2 (Professional Certificate Stage) of the examination and are required to sit for the final stage - Part 3 (Professional Diploma Stage).

However, such an applicant will be required to provide an academic transcript to the Institute for consideration of exemption request.

NATIONAL SECRETARIAT

LAGOS
Plot 4, Adeniji Estate, Off Odusanmi Street,

Off Wemco Road, Ogba Industrial Estate, Ikeja

08081302618

info@nipr.org.ng

ABUJA

Suite 4 Block A, A.R.O Plaza

Herbert Macaulay Way, Zone 6, Wuse, Abuja

07010383277, 09094367076

abuja@nipr.org.ng

Accounting Technicians Scheme West Africa (ATSWA) – ATSWA, West Africa

ACCOUNTING TECHNICIANS SCHEME WEST AFRICA – ATSWA

The decision to establish the Accounting Technicians Scheme West Africa (ATSWA) was reached at the 34th Council meeting of the Council of the Association of Accountancy Bodies in West Africa (ABWA). It was decided that there was the need for the formation of Accounting Technicians Scheme for West African sub-region to serve as vehicle for providing a regionally recognized and accepted professional qualifications for the supporting staff of Professional Accountants within the sub-region.

The Association of Accountancy Bodies in West Africa (ABWA) in pursuance of regional cooperation and integration and its commitment to strengthening and consolidating Accounting Standards and Practice has put in place the Accounting Technicians Scheme West Africa (ATSWA).

The ATSWA fulfils a dire need to produce a cadre of middle level manpower within the sub-region required to give effective support and assistance to the professionally qualified Accountant so as to maximize the latter’s efforts. The scheme was conceived as a means primarily of upgrading the skills and competence of the numerous middle-level and potential lower grade workers in an accounting office who require such higher skills both to do their work more competently and to enhance their career potential while giving them status. The wisdom and foresight of ABWA Council in developing this scheme is borne out of the tremendous patronage which the similar schemes of some individual member bodies has received in their respective countries.

1.INTRODUCTION

The Professional Accountant plays pivotal managerial, advisory and evaluative roles in today’s modern business environment. Users of the profession expect professional accountants to operate to the highest standards of competence, probity and expertise.

The job of Professional Accountants has become more challenging in the face of globalization, regional integration and advanced technology. In performing these functions, the Professional Accountant requires the assistance of trained and able accounting technicians.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHEME

The Accounting Technicians Scheme West Africa (ABWA) has the following objectives:

·       To provide a recognized qualification for the accounting and auditing staff employed in the public sector, industry, commerce and in the offices of practicing Accountants.

·      To help meet the middle-level accounting personnel or technicians staffing needs of the economy especially those of various governments and parastatals in accounting areas.

·       To give status to Accounting Technicians.

·   To provide opportunity for the Accounting Technicians to progress towards full qualification as Professional Accountants.

3. POTENTIAL BENEFICIARIES OF THE SCHEME

It is believed that the entire economy will benefit from the increased productivity of a well-trained and disciplined work-force. The individual Technician as well as the Organization he/she works for will also benefit.

Specifically, the following are some of the beneficiaries:

·   Those holding supervisory accounting positions in Government, Commerce and Industry, Finance and Revenue Departments.

·       Accounts Clerks or supervisors in Government-owned companies and parastatals.

·       Office managers and audit clerks in practicing firms.

4. BENEFITS OF THE SCHEME

The benefits of the scheme to the Accounting Technicians include the following:

·      Ability to work and move in all types of business organizations and services within the sub-region

·       Possession of a recognized accounting qualification

·       Promotion opportunities for those who are already in employment

·    Exemption from some of the Professional Examination Papers of member bodies’ Institutes and those of other professional bodies.

5. BENEFITS OF HOLDING ATSWA CERTIFICATE

ATSWA graduates stand to gain the following:

·    He /She will be formally admitted as an Associate Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians Scheme and can use the title AATWA after his/her names.

·       His /Her qualification is recognized by employers

·   He /She may enroll for the HND or B.Sc. Programme in Accounting in higher institutions of learning

·     He /She may proceed to enroll for the Professional examinations and will be granted some exemptions.

6. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Entry requirements vary from country to country and each country specific requirements is on its website and ABWA website. Kindly visit the website of ABWA and/or the country you are interested in. You may please peruse the website addresses as listed below:

S/N	Country	Website
1.	Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)	www.icannig.org
2.	Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ghana (ICAG)	www.icagh.com
3.	Liberia Institute of Certified Public Accountants (LICPA)	www.licpa.com
4.	Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sierra Leone (ICASL)	www.ica-sl.org
5.	The Gambia Association of Accountants (GAA)	www.gaa.gm
6.	Ordre National Res Experts Comptables du Cameroun (ONECCA)	www.onecca.cm

7. REGISTRATION FOR STUDENT MEMBERSHIP

Candidates who wish to write the ATSWA examinations must first register as students under the scheme. Application for registration may be made on-line or on the prescribed form of the member-body in order to qualify for eligibility to enter for the subsequent examinations. The annual subscription for successful applicants becomes payable immediately upon registration for year of registration and thereafter on 1st January of each year of registered Studentship.

Approved qualifications for registration as an ATSWA Student includes:

·    Five (5) credit passes including English Language and Mathematics in the West African School Certificate Examination, General Certificate of Education or Senior Secondary Certificate Examination in not more than two sittings.

·       General Business Certificate Examination formerly RSA Stage II

·       National Business and Technical Examination Board Certificate (NABTEB).

·     Ordinary National Diploma of any Polytechnic recognized by the ABWA Member Institute.

·       National Certificate of Education (NCE) from any College of Education.

·       Any other relevant qualification approved by the ABWA Council.

8. PRIVILEGES OF STUDENTS

Students may use the Students’ Library located at the Secretariats of the member body. Students may take part in activities such as lectures and seminars or symposia organized by the local accountancy body.

9. PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

Students are expected to gain practical experience either in a professional practicing firm or in the accounting department of any recognized organization in industry, commerce and public sector.

10. MEMBERSHIP

On successful completion of ATSWA examinations, graduates of the scheme shall be inducted into membership after acquiring one year’s relevant work experience. They can then use the designatory letters AATWA after their names 

11. PROGRESSION TO THE PROFESSIONAL CADRE

Candidates who have completed the examinations under the scheme may register for the Professional Examinations of the local accountancy body and shall be granted exemptions in line with exemption policy of the member body.

12. EXAMINATION

(a) Examination Date

The examination is conducted in March and September of each year. The registration for the March examination closes on 28th February and registration for the September examination closes on 31st August. The examination will be opened only to students registered under the scheme. It will be in three parts. Each part shall consist of four papers. Candidates shall take one part at a time and in a sequential order (i.e. Part I, Part II, and Part III).

(b) Credit and Referral System

Parts I & II Candidates are to sit for all the four papers in parts I and II and will be credited with any paper passed. Credits will also be given for any of the outstanding papers as they are passed.

Part III Candidates are to sit for all the four papers in this part and pass at least two subjects before credit can be given. Credits will be given for any of the remaining papers passed at any subsequent sitting.

Candidates must pass all the subjects at that part of the examination within six consecutive diets i.e three consecutive years, otherwise, all credits granted will be cancelled.

Candidates are not allowed to combine two levels of the examinations.

(c) Centres

The examinations are held at the designated centres in member countries. At the discretion of ABWA Council, examinations may be arranged at other centres.

13. PUBLICATIONS

The ABWA Council shall produce the following publications for the benefit of students:

(a) Members’ Journal

(b) Student Newsletter

(c) Past Questions and Answers

(d) Pilot Questions and Answers, each time the syllabus is reviewed

(e) Study Packs in hard and soft copies

14. SECRETARIAT

The ABWA Council’s Secretariat is located at:

Akintola Williams House
Plot 2048, Michael Okpara Street
Off Olusegun Obasanjo Way
P. O. Box 13109
Zone 7, Wuse District
Abuja, Nigeria

Tel: 234-9-6718593, 234-9-6724172

        +2347054015829
DL: 234-803-320-0901/ 01- 7747102
Fax: 234-9-6718593
E-mail: abwa_secretariat@yahoo.com

             info@abwa-online.org
Website: www.abwa-online.org

All enquiries should be directed to the Executive Secretary

15. PHILOSOPHY OF THE SYLLABUS

The Syllabus has in some significant ways, strengthened the education and training requirements necessary to produce technicians:

·       who will play supporting role to the Professional Accountants;

·     whose primary duty will be to maintain the accounting system already designed by Professional Accountants;

·       who may sometimes work independently without supervision;

·       who can adequately meet the needs of:

-        Public sector (including Local Government and Inland Revenue)

-        Industry, Commerce, and Audit practice; and

·       who will be well equipped to advance to the Professional Examination level.

16. STRUCTURE OF THE SYLLABUS

The syllabus attempts to meet the dual goals of the scheme through the subject structure and coverage. It has also been aligned with the respective syllabi of the member bodies within ABWA currently conducting such examination. The 12-subject-3-level structure examination combines subjects which address purely the knowledge-skill needs of the potential ATSWA graduate (to be known as AATSWA) working in an office with others which are mainly of a theoretical or conceptual nature and therefore serve as a foundation for the higher levels of the Professional Examination.

In drawing up this syllabus, the ABWA Council was mindful of reciprocity with other major accounting bodies in the UK, America, Canada, etc. The overall objective in this regard is that ultimately, graduates of the scheme would be able to compare favourably with their counterparts elsewhere and thus enjoy reciprocal recognition.

The syllabus has a three-part structure with twelve subjects as follows:

Part I

1.1 Basic Accounting Processes & Systems

1.2 Economics

1.3 Business Law

1.4 Communication Skills

Part II

2.1 Principles and Practice of Financial Accounting

2.2 Public Sector Accounting

2.3 Quantitative Analysis

2.4 Information Technology

Part III

3.1 Principles of Auditing

3.2 Cost Accounting

3.3 Preparing Tax Computations and Returns

3.4 Management

17. EXAMINATION TIME-TABLE

The ATSWA syllabus was operational from March, 2012

Day	Time	Part 1	Part 11	Part 111
Tuesday	8.30 – 11.30 GMT Hrs	Basic Accounting Processes & Systems	Principles and Practice of Financial Accounting	Principles of Auditing
	13.30 – 16.30 GMT Hrs	Business Law	Information Technology	Management
Wednesday	8.30 – 11.30 GMT Hrs	Economics	Public Sector Accounting	Cost Accounting
	13.30 – 16.30 GMT Hrs	Communication Skills	Quantitative Analysis	Preparing Tax Computations and Returns

18. ABSENCE FROM AN EXAMINATION

Examination entries cannot be withdrawn after the closing date in any circumstance. Any fees paid are non-refundable and may not be transferred to subsequent examination.

19.MISCONDUCT IN AN EXAMINATION

The examination regulations prohibit a student from:

·     taking into the examination room or possessing, while in that room, any book, note, programmable calculators, electronic devices or other materials except those which have been authorized in the Examination Attendance Docket;

·       aiding or attempting to aid another candidate or obtaining or attempting to obtain aid from another candidate;

·       refusing to obey any instruction from the Examination Supervisor or Invigilators;

·       giving false or misleading information to the Examination Supervisor;

·     Writing anything on the question paper except the candidate’s examination number and

·       Writing anything on the candidate’s examination docket.

The Supervisor is empowered to stop any candidate suspected of misconduct and require him/her to leave the examination hall. Any Student who fails to comply with the above regulations may be liable to such penalties as the ABWA Council may determine.

20. EXAMINATION RESULTS

The result of the examination shall, where practicable, be communicated by post to each candidate and will also be made available on the websites of member-bodies and that of ABWA. No further correspondence relating to individual results will be entertained.

21. EXEMPTION GUIDELINES

Exemptions in the ATSWA Syllabus are as outlined below:

S/N	QUALIFICATION	EXEMPTION
1.	ND (Accountancy)	All subjects in Parts I and II
2.	OND /NCE (Financial Studies/ Banking & Finance	All subjects in Part I and Principles and Practice of Financial Accounting in Part II
3.	NCE (Accountancy)	All subjects in Parts I and II
4.	OND /NCE (Business Studies/ Business Admin.)/ DBS Accounting	All subjects in Part I except Business Law.
5.	AAT (UK)/CAT(UK)	All subjects in parts I, II and III except Business Law, Public Sector Accounting and Preparing Tax Computations and Returns.
6.	OND/NCE Statistics	Quantitative Analysis Only
7.	Qualifications from other recognized professional bodies	Subject for subject exemption in Parts I and II only
8.	OND of Monotechnics offering Accounting related courses	All subjects in Part I and subject for subject related courses exemption in Part II
9.	OND/NCE Computer Science	Information Technology only
10.	OND/NCE Insurance	Quantitative Analysis only
11.	OND/NCE Marketing	Economics only
12.	Diploma in Public Accounting	All subjects in Part 1 only
13.	Diploma in Accounting (University)	All subjects in Part 1 only
14.	Advanced Diploma in Accounting (University)	All subjects in Part I and Part II only
15.	OND (Petroleum Marketing & Business Studies	Business Law only

Disclaimer: This is not the official website of the Institute. While we strive to keep the information up to date and correct, information may change at any time without notice. For complete and updated information, please always refer to the official website of the Institute. Any reliance you place on the information from this site is strictly at your own risk.