The Role of Public Relations in Creating Cordial Relationship with the Relevant Publics: A Study of A.B.U/MTN Library Connect

In order to create and sustain a cordial relationship with Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Community, MTN introduced a project called “MTN Library Connect†in the University. This paper, “The Role of Public Relations in Creating Cordial Relationship with the Relevant Publics: A Study of A.B.U./MTN Library Connect†, examined the use of MTN Foundation Connect Library in institutions of higher learning in Nigeria. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether or not MTN achieved a cordial relationship with Ahmadu Bello University Community which is one of the beneficiaries of the Project. Survey research design was adopted for the study with questionnaire as the instrument to elicit data from 120 respondents in twelve (12) Faculties of the University, comprising 100 from the Main campus, and 20 from Kongo campus. Findings reveal that, majority of the students appreciate the services rendered by the A.B.U./MTN Library Connect. Further findings indicate that the MTN Library Connect is effective as it helps the telecom company to carry out its corporate social responsibility by creating and maintaining cordial relationship as well as providing students with the necessary facilities which enable them to carry out their research. Findings also indicate that training of users on how to use the facility has been a major challenge. The study therefore recommends among others that the MTN Management should intensify efforts in creating more awareness about training students and extension of space to accommodate more students, provision of more systems and servers to cater for the ever-increasing number of students in the University.