ASPIRE AGENDA ON THE MOVE: PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT REPOSITIONS FOR GLOBAL VISIBILITY, REINFORCES COMMITMENT TO THE ASPIRE AGENDA.

“When the vision is clear, the steps become purposeful.” In-line with the Vice Chancellor’s determination to transform the Bayelsa Medical University, and in a move to strengthen institutional communication and enhance global visibility, the Public Relations Department on April 1, 2026, held its monthly departmental meeting at the Conference Room of the Vice Chancellor, reaffirming its commitment to projecting the University’s ASPIRE Agenda to the global community. The meeting focused on improving efficiency, aligning departmental activities with the vision of the University leadership, and reinforcing the department’s role in serving the Governing Council, the Vice Chancellor, Management, Principal Officers, staff and students. Speaking during the meeting, the Head of Department, Dr. Mrs. Marie Teibowei, emphasized the critical role of the Public Relations Department as the image-maker and communication hub of the University. She reminded staff of their core mandate, which includes: 1. Projecting and protecting the image of the University nationally and globally 2. Supporting the Vice Chancellor and the ASPIRE Agenda 3. Managing media relations, internal and external communication 4. Publicizing institutional programs, events, and achievements 5. Strengthening stakeholder engagement and relationships 6. Handling crisis communication and reputation management 7. Documenting University activities for institutional memory 8. Managing the website, digital and traditional media platforms 9. Any other assignment as directed by the Vice Chancellor. Dr. Teibowei said the department occupies a strategic position in projecting the activities, image and reputation of the university. Therefore, it is essential that staff continuously evaluate the quality, timeliness, and impact of their work, moving beyond routine operations and adopt a more structured, proactive, and results-oriented communication system. Consequently she charged personnel of the Department to be proactive, innovative, and responsive, urging them to remain in tune with the global vision of the Vice Chancellor. She stressed that in an increasingly competitive academic environment, effective communication is key to institutional growth and recognition. As part of efforts to improve operational efficiency and ensure comprehensive coverage of University activities,to ensure that no department or unit is left behind. The Head of Department assigned staff to specific reporting and communication beats as follows: I. The College of Medicine & Students’ News– Mr. Prince Ere Jones II. Non-Academic Departments – Ms. Marklolo Fortune Ebiegberi III. Faculties and social media – Ms. Blessing Ogbara IV. Sampou Campus, Website – Ms. Emelah Charity V. Direction, reception and first contact with visitors - Mr. Operete Okara. BMU Faculties and Departments are encouraged to liaise with the above officers to publicise their activities. The monthly meeting, which serves as a platform for strategic planning, review, and coordination, underscores the department’s resolve to adopt a more structured and resultsdriven approach to communication. The Public Relations Department reiterated its commitment to leveraging both traditional and digital media platforms to showcase the University’s achievements, promote research excellence, and strengthen its reputation nationally and internationally. “A river that forgets its source will soon run dry.” The department remains rooted in its mandate while embracing modern communication strategies to position the University as a leading institution in Nigeria and beyond. Dr. Marie reminded staff members to upgrade their skills to meetup with the digital aspirations of the Vice Chancellor’s and his efforts since assumption of office in improving information flow, media relations, institutional branding, and stakeholder engagement. She emphasized that the Department plays a vital role in promoting the University’s image and documenting its growth and achievements under the ASPIRE Agenda