By OKOSUN DENNIS
The Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI) on Monday graduated 75 officers and soldiers of the 4th quarter course in Public Relations and media operations.
The event which held at the School Auditorium in Bonny Cantonment had 50 soldiers in photography and journalism practice, 16 officers in Advance Public Relations and nine officers in media operations.
The Commandant, Brig Gen John Agim, noted that the course was met to stimulate the officers and soldiers so that when they have the opportunity to advise their commanders, they would do that from the perspective of informed knowledge base.
He expressed satisfaction with the level of academic prowess displayed by the students noting that the school would continue to work assiduously to maintain the high standards it is known for.
Acknowledging the importance of social media in military operations, Brig Gen Agim added that NASPRI will soon have all the social media platforms considering that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, has graciously approved for the school a befitting accommodation and other facilities.
“We don’t have an active social media now because of certain challenges but that does not mean we are not versed at the theoretical importance of social media to military operations.
“We are going to be active on the social media very soon and that would also increase our knowledge base and research proficiency,” Brig Gen Agim reiterated.
On the performance of the students, the Commandant added that “They did very well pointing out that “we have a standard that a student that goes below certain grade will not graduate and I am happy with the standard the students displayed.
“I hope when they go back to their various units, they would put what they learnt into effective use” he noted.
The three months course took them through various courses in broadcast journalism practice, public speaking, public relations practice, crisis management and media environment.
Prizes were awarded to deserving students and officers who distinguished themselves both in academic activities and discipline.