796 DELSU Education Graduates Inducted Into The Teaching Profession

The 11th set of 796 graduates of the Faculty of Education at the Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU) who were inducted into the teaching Profession have been called upon to demonstrate uncommon love for the Profession and be prepared to face challenges  to enable them succeed as teachers, Myschoolnews gathered.

The call was made by the Registrar/Chief Executive, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) Professor Josiah Ajiboye at the induction/oath taking ceremony at the University on Thursday October 19, 2023.

 Professor Ajiboye who was represented by a director at the Council Headquarters in Abuja, Dr Hammed Okunola underscored the need for  teachers to love their profession as it was “the most important career lesson and one which lays the foundation for career excellence.” He drove home the point by advising the young teachers to “love what you have chosen to do or choose what you love to do.”

 He reminded the inductees to understand that they had chosen a profession that is “regarded as a calling, with compassion, care and healing as cardinal ideals,” adding that you “should carry out your duties with pride and humility.  You should also recognize the fact that you are the people’s investment for a better tomorrow hence the need to put in your best in bringing out the potentials in in your students.”

 Professor Ajiboye, while commending the inductees on their successful attainment of the status of a certified and professional teacher, and their maturity and skill proficiency, urged them to always embrace innovation and change as important issues in life .

Read also: DELSU Issues Notice to Faculty of Education Students on Dress Code

He drew the attention of the fresh teachers to appreciate the fact that the end of formal education was not the end of learning, adding that the key to keeping up is continuous professional development.  His words: “Continuous professional development is also a prerequisite for becoming innovative in your chosen profession.  Innovation is the new normal in the world of education today; all education processes must innovate or die.”

 Receiving members of the Teachers Registration Council team in his office earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andy Egwunyenga commended the Council for its efforts at enhancing professionalism in teaching and commended teachers for being eternal as their influence was widespread.  While remarking that Jesus Christ was the greatest teacher of all time, the Professor of Applied Parasitology and Entomology noted that teaching which was about character building, began at home while the TRCN gave it intellectualism and professionalism.

 The Chief Executive who has been giving DELSU an enlightened and committed leadership,  told his audience that teachers derived spiritual satisfaction from what they did  and reminded them of the rising profile of teachers as their services were being sought from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and others.  While commending the Council for adding value,he provided a historical background of DELSU as a prime institution for education which began as a Teachers' College, and has grown over time to become one of the largest Faculties of Education in Nigerian University System.

 Speaking later at the induction oath taking proper, the Vice-Chancellor, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration)  Prof Mrs Rosemary Okoh congratulated the inductees and urged them to embrace the University motto of “Knowledge, Character and Service "in their professional teaching career.

 He urged  them to give back to the University, their alma-mater and to continue to perform their jobs diligently and to uphold the image of the University.

He described teaching as “noble, though challenging” and urged the new teachers to make a difference by exhibiting a professional demeanour.

 Professor Andy Egwunyenga reminded the inductees that the profession was changing rapidly, requiring new skills adding that they could not afford to remain dormant.  In order to cope with the changes, he advised them to embrace life – long learning as the journey did not end at the University.  “Embrace new methodology and professional innovation,” he advised.

Read also: DELSU Opens Application for ASUU Indigent Scholarship Award 2023

 Speaking at the occasion, an elated Dean of Faculty of Education, Professor Florence Ugoji explained that the ceremony was significant because it was a necessary step in officially recognizing them as professional teachers by the  Teachers' Registration Council of Nigeria.  

 According to the  Dean of Faculty of Education , “this ceremony testifies to the diligence and relentless pursuit of excellence that our inductees have exhibited in their academic journey into the noble profession of teaching

 “As teachers, we are entrusted with the onerous task of shaping the minds of the future, and in doing so we hold the power to transform lives and communities.  It is a profession that demands not only knowledge and skill but also a deep commitment to nurturing the potential within each and every student.”

 Speaking earlier, the cerebral and experienced Dean had words of commendation for the set of inductees.  “They are good.  They have behaved well.  They did not give us issues.  They were law abiding.  We did not have any reason to arraign any of them before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee” she said.

 The event which took place at the University’s 1,000 capacity Hall in Campus 3, which was full  to capacity, attracted dignitaries from Abuja and Asaba including Mr Awwal Tukur Lau, Officer in charge of induction at Abuja; Mr. John Paul, Officer in charge of induction and Data entry at Asaba; Mrs. Sarah Uge, coordinator, Delta State and Miss Foluke Olokude, among others.

The Management team of DELSU was fully represented at the event, with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Ochuko Anomohanran; the Registrar, Mrs. Rufina Ufiofio; the University Librarian Dr. (Mrs.) Josephine Onowakpor; the Bursar, represented by Mr. Martin Denedo, a Deputy Bursar; Dr. (Mrs.) Gabrieline Obaro, Faculty representative of TRCN; the Students’ spokesman and former President of the Students’ Union, Mr. Kingsley Ugbo, among others.  

Professor Ben Nwanne is Director,

Ceremonials, Information and Public Relations,

Delta State University, Abraka