The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has inducted 748 graduates of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra State 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 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 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 to shape minds, inspire dreams and transform lives. You have to instil knowledge, ignite curiosity, guide the present and next generation and change the world,” he said.
Ajiboye, who was represented by the Director of 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 tools and adapt to enhance quality teaching.
The TRCN Registrar said the Council was determined to bring back the lost glory of the 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 the teaching profession, noting that the possession of the TRCN certificate remains the proof of a registered teacher.
Okunola 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 of teaching and encouraged them to be innovative.
Also speaking, the Provost, Prof. Theresa 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 the 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 the 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 College has not been misplaced.
The She promised that the College would continue to improve the quality of the academic programme to ensure that graduates of the College meet the desired expectations.
Meanwhile, the Director PDE/Desk Officer, TRCN, Dr. Cecilia Ekemezie, in her welcome address emphasised that the teaching profession is the mother of all other professions. 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 of, the 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, to contribute to the growth and development of education in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Director of 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 the PDE programme, Eze Amandiogu on behalf of the 2023 inductees, appreciated the College for the quality of training they received and promised to live up to the desired expectation.
