The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) recently inducted 748 Federal College of Education (Technical) graduates, Umunze, Anambra, into the teaching profession.
The inductees were graduates of the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) and the Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes offered in the college.
Addressing the young teachers at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Auditorium, the Registrar, TRCN, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, lauded them for completing 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.
Ajiboye, 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 raise the teaching bar like other professions in Nigeria. He said the induction into TRCN would help improve the global rating of the teaching profession.
Okunola said the TRCN now has career progression for teachers, 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.
Meanwhile, in her welcome address, TRCN’s Director PDE/Desk Officer, Dr. Cecilia Ekemezie, emphasised that teaching is the mother of all other professions. She applauded the efforts of the committed staff of the college.
Also speaking, the Dean of the School of Education, Dr. O.G. Onwuzo, said TRCN had worked hard to enhance the quality of teacher education in the country, especially in spelling out essential conditions for the 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.
The Director of Academic Planning (DAP), Dr. Chike Obienyem, urged the inductees always to be proud of themselves, commending TRCN 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.
