PUBLIC RELATIONS, GLOBAL RANKINGS AND THE INTERNATIONAL PERCEPTION OF NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

The reputation and image of Nigerian universities across the globe are still below expectations. Global rankings and the international perception of Nigerian universities are very poor. Nigerian universities can improve their global ranking through public relations. This paper, therefore, explored public relations, global rankings, and the international perception of Nigerian universities. It began with an introduction before examining the concepts of public relations and university global rankings. This paper attempts to identify some public relations tools that can promote global rankings and the international perception of Nigerian universities. This paper concluded that public relations is one of the means for promoting global rankings and a positive international perception of Nigerian universities. Based on the conclusion, it was recommended among others that Nigerian universities should organize annual training programmes for staff to enable them engage in public relations practices that create a positive image and enhance the visibility of the institutional activities to improve their global rankings.