The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) recently inducted 748 graduates of the Federal College of Education (Technical) into the teaching profession. The inductees were graduates of the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE), degree and the Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes offered in the college.
Addressing the young teachers at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Auditorium, the Registrar/Chief Executive of TRCN, Prof Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye, lauded them on the successful completion of years of rigorous studies, describing it as true dedication and passion for education. He said the induction ceremony was a proof of hard work, determination and exceptional qualities that make them the future of the nation’s education system.
“I urge you to remember the immense responsibility that comes with being an educator. Teaching is not just a job. It is a vocation, a profession and most importantly a noble calling. You have chosen a profession that has the power of shaping minds inspire dreams and transform lives. You have to instil knowledge, ignite curiosity, guide the present and net generation and change the world”, he said.
Ajiboye, who was represented by the Director, Regulation, Accreditation and Enforcement of TRCN, Dr. Okunola Abimbola, advised the young teachers to be innovative and creative in teaching, seek out new approaches, walk the talk of their professional creed, provide new technologies and methodologies that will engage their students, foster critical thinking and promote lifelong learning. He also urged them to embrace the power of digital tool and adapt to enhance quality teaching.
The TRCN Registrar said the council was determined to bring back the lost glory of teaching profession and also raise the bar of teaching like other professions in Nigeria. He said the induction into TRCN would help in improving the global rating of teaching profession, noting that the possession of TRCN certificate remains the proof a registered teacher.
Ajiboye said the TRCN now has career progression for teachers starting from beginners to proficient teachers, mentor teachers and distinguished teachers. He encouraged the inductees to change their perception about teaching and encouraged them to be innovative.
Also speaking, the Provost, Prof. Thersea Okoli, described education as the bedrock of societal development with teachers as the architects. She said the induction ceremony was far more than an academic ritual, but a promise of quality education and lifetime dedication to the noble values of teaching profession.
She commended the TRCN for providing an excellent template for the teaching profession, assuring that the candidates presented for induction have been found worthy in character and learning.
The Provost, who was represented by the college Librarian, Dr Samson Arome Agada, said education occupies a vantage position in the collective quest for national development and charged the inductees to rise to the demand of the profession.
She commended TRCN as a regulatory body for providing an excellent template to ensure that teaching profession maintains the highest standard. She disclosed that the TRCN awarded full accreditation status to the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) offered in the college after an accreditation exercise, and reassured TRCN that the confidence reposed in the institution has not be misplaced. She promised that the College would continue to improve the quality of academic programme to ensure that graduates of the College meet the desired expectation.
Meanwhile, the Director PDE/Desk Officer, TRCN, Dr. Cecilia Ekemezie, in her welcome address emphasised that teaching profession is the mother of all other profession. She applauded the efforts of the committed staff of the College. She thanked the Provost whom she described as a leader par excellence.
Also speaking, the Dean, School of Education, Dr. O.G. Onwuzo in her welcome address said TRCN had worked hard to enhance the quality of teacher education in the country, especially in spelling out essential conditions for training and development of professional teachers.
While performing the oath-taking ceremony on the inductees, The TRCN Registrar charged the students to be ambassadors of the College and the teaching profession, with a view to contributing to the growth and development of education in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Director Academic Planning (DAP), Dr. Chike Obienyem, urged the inductees to always be proud of themselves and walk with their shoulders high. He praised the TRCN official for the success recorded in the profession, and described the induction of new teachers as a turning point in the College.
In his valedictory speech, the best graduating student of PDE programme, Eze Amandiogu C, on behalf of 2023 inductees, appreciated the college for the quality of training they received and promised to live up to the desired expectation.
