Isa Gusau, Zulum’s media aide, bags master’s degree with distinction from UK university

Isa Gusau, special adviser on public relations and strategy to Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno state, has obtained a master’s degree in media and public relations with distinction from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom.

The graduation ceremony took place on Wednesday at De Montfort Hall around the University of Leicester’s campus in Leicester city. The graduation was held in-person for the first time since the pandemic.

Gusau had in 2020 requested one-year study leave which was granted by Zulum after which he moved to the UK.

While studying at the university, he oversaw the governor’s media activities on a daily basis by remotely working with his colleagues, coordinating his own office with daily input on publicity materials, working with social-media associates and bloggers, and relating with journalists.

Gusau had previously obtained a bachelor’s degree with first-class in media, public relations and advertising from Middlesex University in London.

He holds another master’s degree and postgraduate diploma in labour and public relations from the University of Maiduguri. He also holds an OND and HND in mass communication from the Kaduna Polytechnic where he had hit 4.35 out 5.0 in his final semester examinations.

The aide is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, UK; the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations; the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) UK; the International Public Relations Association, UK and the African Public Relations Association.

Gusau, however, practised as a journalist for years, before moving into public relations.

At the Daily Trust, he was the first to win the board chairman’s star award and cash prize for integrity in the journalists’ category.

He was also recipient of the editor-in- chief’s letter of commendation and cash reward for integrity. He had received series of commendations from the managing director and chief operating officer for prudence, transparency, accountability and productive management of regional offices in the Niger Delta and the north-east, Nigeria. He also received performance-based incentives and accelerated promotions.

Gusau resigned from Daily Trust in March, 2012, the same week he was promoted to the rank of deputy editor, to venture into public relations following his appointment by Kashim Shettima as special adviser on media and publicity.