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

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) - CITN, Nigeria

CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF TAXATION OF NIGERIA - CITN

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) started on February 4, 1982 as Association of Tax Administrators and Practitioners. Thereafter, it transformed into Nigeria Institute of Taxation, which was formally launched on February 21, 1982 and statutorily recognized on May 6, 1987 as a company Limited by Guarantee.

The Institute was chartered by the Federal Government of Nigeria by the enabling Act No. 76 of 1992 (now CITN Act, CAP C10, Vol. 2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004) and was charged with the responsibility, among others, of determining what standards of knowledge and skills are to be attained by persons seeking to become professional Tax Practitioners or Administrators.

The aims and objectives of the Institute as laid down in its charter (Decree 76 of 1992) among others include:

-           To determine what standards of knowledge and skills are to be attained by persons seeking to become registered members of the taxation profession.

-           To raise, maintain and regulate the standard of taxation practice amongst its members.

-           To promote professional ethics and efficiency in tax administration and practice.

-           To encourage, promote and co-ordinate research for the advancement of taxation practice and administration in Nigeria.

Under the Act, the Institute is the only professional body which has the authority to regulate Tax Practice and Administration in Nigeria and only its members can practice Taxation. The Act sets out the rules as regards membership, composition and officers of Council, etc. and copies are available for sale at the Secretariat of the Institute.

VISION

To be one of the foremost professional associations in Africa and beyond

MISSION

To build an Institute which will be a citadel for the advancement of taxation in all its ramifications

MEMBERSHIP

The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CITN) has two main classes of membership at the moment. These are Fellows and Associates.

FELLOWS

Associates who wish to advance to fellowship may do so by submitting an application and then satisfying the council that his/her work has been closely connected with and of direct relevance to Nigeria Taxation for an unbroken period of at least five (5) years prior to such application as fellow. In the alternative, a total qualifying period of at least five (5) years prior to such application may be considered if it falls within a period not exceeding ten (10) years immediately prior to such application for admission as a fellow.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

In accordance with the Charter and Rules and Regulations of the Institute, a person is admitted as an associate member on application, if he/she is a graduate member of the Institute and has acquired the relevant tax experience or has completed any of the recognized examinations of the Institute. Members of other professional bodies are admitted after they have served a specific period either in tax practice and administration.

DESIGNATORY LETTERS

Every member of the Institute having been admitted at appropriate level is entitled to use the following designatory letters after his/her name.

ACTI – This designation represents Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

FCTI – This designation represents Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

MEMBERSHIP, FEES AND SUBSCRIPTION

Admission fees and annual subscription are payable by each member in accordance with the Rules and Registrations.

ENTRY REGULATION AND REGISTRATION

I. REGISTRATION PROCEDURE:

Application for admission to student membership must be made on the prescribed form. This requires an undertaking on the part of the applicant to abide by the rules laid down by the council from time to time. Every applicant shall produce satisfactory evidence of age; with photocopies of his/her educational certificates. The Council reserves the right to grant or refuse any application or to terminate the registration of a candidate. A successful applicant shall be required to pay the prescribed annual subscription fee for the year; upon which he shall be allocated a student number. This number must be quoted in full in all communications with the Institute.

II. CONDITIONS TO BE SATISFIED

Every prospective candidate for admission to student membership must satisfy the Council that:

·         He is not below the age of 18

·         He possesses the basic minimum educational qualification as set by Council.

·         He is a fit and proper person to be registered.

Any student failing to comply with the above regulations may be liable for such penalties as the Institute may decide.

III. ELIGIBILITY TO REGISTER AS STUDENT MEMBER

An applicant shall be eligible to register as a student if he/she possesses a minimum of first degree, Higher National Diploma or its equivalent. Such person would obtain the Institute's Student Membership form/Reg. fee N1,500.00, Syllabus with the sum of N1,500.00. On submission, an applicant is to pay N4,500 processing fee, N2,500 Building fund and Annual Subscription N1,500.00.

Note: All forms for application have to be filled online (www.citn.org/join_citn)

Note that fees are subject to change from time to time at the instance of the Institute

REGISTRATION PROCEDURE ONLINE

Prospective Professional students are required to apply online via the CITN website by clicking on “Become a Professional Student Member” from the “Join Now” menu of the website. Payment can be made online with your Mastercard, Visa, Verve, Interswitch, etransact cards.

Professional Students	Payments
Registration (inclusive of subscription)	N11,500.00
Annual Subscription (billed after a year after registration)	N1,500.00
Exams Form Fee	N1,000.00
Exam fee/paper	Foundation – N3,500 PT1 – N4,500 PT2 – N5,500 PT3 – N6,500 Non-refundable fee- N5,000
Exemption form fee	N 3,500.00
Exemption/paper	Foundation - N4,000 PT1- N 6,000 PT2- N 8,000

EXAMINATIONS

I. ELIGIBILITY TO REGISTER FOR THE EXAMINATION

Entry for the Institute’s Examinations is open to all registered student members of the Institute. A registered student member is however expected to have paid the regular annual subscription and entry fees in force at the date of entry.

II. EXAMINATION RESULTS AND CREDIT SYSTEM

The new credit system stipulates that a candidate sits for all the four papers at a particular level. The candidate must pass a minimum of one (1) paper out of the four papers. Candidate will be credited with the paper(s) previously passed. There will be opportunity to re-write the remaining papers at subsequent examinations subject to limited period. Candidate writing the Professional Examinations would have a maximum of eight (8) years to pass all levels of examinations within which candidate will be credited with earlier passed papers, but start afresh if unable to satisfy this condition within the specified period. Any candidate who passes one paper out of all the papers written should be credited with that paper subject to the provision that the candidate must apply to sit for all papers he/she would have been eligible to participate in the diet.

III. CONVERSION

Since a credit system is in operation with the new syllabus, candidates who are unable to complete the examinations before the take-off date of the new syllabus would only be credited with the relevant subjects/courses already passed in the old syllabus.

EXEMPTION

The Institute will consider applications for exemptions from holders of the following qualifications. However, only one certificate (academic or professional) could be used to seek for the Institute's exemption. (Exemption Form - N3,500) with the additional fees below:

Exemption /paper fee:          TTS1- N2500, TTS2- N3000, TTS3- N3500

FOUNDATION- N4000, PT1- N6000, PT2- N8000

S/N	QUALIFICATION	EXEMPTION (NEW)	EXEMPTION FEE (₦) APPROVED RATES
1.	TTS Graduates (ATT)	All Foundation Papers, Quantitative  Techniques in PT 1	22,000
2.	ICAN (ACA)	All Foundation Papers, Quantitative Techniques, Income Tax in PT 1	28,000
3.	ANAN(CNA)	All Foundation Papers	16,000
4.	ACIB (CIBN)	All Foundation Papers	16,000
5.	ACS	All Foundation Papers	16,000
6.	ACIS	All Foundation Papers, Quantitative  Techniques in PT 1	22,000
7.	MNIM	All Foundation Papers & Strategy, Risk & Ethics PT 2	24,000
8.	LLB, BL	General Principles of Law; Revenue Law	10,000
9.	HND/BSc (Accounting)	All Foundation Papers	16,000
10.	HND/BSc (Bus. Admin)	Accounting, Economics & General Principles of Law	12,000
11.	HND/BSc Taxation	All Foundation & PE 1 Papers	22,000
12.	HND/BSc Maths/Statistics	Economics, Quantitative Techniques	10,000
13.	BSc Economics	Economics & General Principles of Law, Quantitative Techniques	14,000
14.	BSc Banking/Finance	Quantitative Techniques, Economics	10,000

PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION COURSES

(1) Foundation

COURSES FROM NEW SYLLABUS	COURSES FROM OLD SYLLABUS
Principles of Taxation Accounting General Principles of Law Economics	Accounting Business Law Managerial Economics Management Information System

(2) Professional Taxation 1

COURSES FROM NEW SYLLABUS	COURSES FROM OLD SYLLABUS
Quantitative Techniques Revenue Law Income Taxation Indirect Taxation	Revenue Law Personal Taxation Business Taxation International Taxation

(3) Professional Taxation 2

COURSES FROM NEW SYLLABUS	COURSES FROM OLD SYLLABUS
Taxation of E-commerce Strategy, Risk and Ethics Tax Audit and Investigation International Taxation	Tax Audit And Investigation Oil, Gas And Other Minerals Taxation Tax Practice and Business Case study

(4) Professional Taxation 3

COURSES FROM NEW SYLLABUS	COURSES FROM OLD SYLLABUS
Oil, Gas Taxation Solid Minerals Taxation Tax Management Practical Cases in Taxation

The Examinations take place twice every year in April and October.

Note:

·         All forms for application have to be filled online (www.citn.org/join_citn)

·         All other qualifications not listed above to write all courses from Foundation stage.

This information is by the order of the Council of The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

For further enquiries, please contact the Examinations and Students' Affairs Department of the Institute on studentaffairs@citn.org or Call Lizzy - 08023244395 and Motunrayo - 07075724372

For Further Details, Contact

Registrar/Chief Executive

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria

Tax Professionals' House
Plot 16, Otunba Jobi Fele Way,
Central Business District, Alausa Ikeja
Lagos State, Nigeria
P.O Box 1087, Ebute-Metta, Lagos State, Nigeria

Tel: +234-1-7741273, +234-1-8936023
Website: www.citn.org
Email- citn@citn.org

Abuja Liaison Office

Plot 27 Abidjan Street,
Wuse Zone 3, Abuja
Nigeria

Tel: + 234 (09)-2918349