Teaching Profession Remains One of the Best Career Paths, Says AFUED Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Popoola

The Vice-Chancellor of Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, has reaffirmed the value and dignity of the teaching profession, describing it as one of the most rewarding career paths capable of producing successful professionals and nation builders.

Prof. Popoola made the remarks on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, during the institution’s 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony for students admitted into the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) programme, held at the university’s New Centre for Educational Technology.

Addressing the matriculating students, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that teaching remains a prestigious and noble profession despite contemporary challenges facing educators in the country. He urged teachers and aspiring educators not to be discouraged by prevailing conditions in the sector but to remain committed to professionalism, discipline, and service.

“Let the prestige that we desire for this profession come back and let people know that we are disciplined people with high esteem,” he said.

Prof. Popoola further maintained that teaching is “not a useless job at all,” stressing that it remains one of the most important professions in any society. He called for a collective effort to restore respect for educators, including those who currently undervalue the profession.

According to him, the teaching profession should be seen not merely as a career but as a calling that demands passion, patience, and perseverance. He noted that its impact goes beyond financial reward, as it directly shapes the quality of future generations.

“If we are preparing you to serve the education system, it means you are very important because no education system can rise above the quality of its teachers,” he stated.

He also charged the new students to take their studies seriously, reminding them that their role in society will be central to shaping minds and strengthening the education system.

In her remarks, the Registrar/Chief Executive of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Dr. (Mrs) Ronke Soyombo, represented by Prince Adesuyi Abiodun of the TRCN Akure office, congratulated the matriculants and commended their decision to pursue professional training in education.

She reaffirmed TRCN’s commitment to strengthening the teaching profession and repositioning it to meet national expectations, while urging students to remain focused throughout their academic programme.

She also assured that the certification they would receive upon completion would enhance their professional credibility and open up opportunities for academic and career advancement.

The ceremony attracted senior university officials including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ireti Folasade Alao; Registrar, Mrs. Olufisayo Fakorede (represented by Mr. Oladele Balogun); Chairman, Committee of Deans, Prof. Oyenike Oyinloye; as well as other academic and non-teaching staff.

The event concluded on a celebratory note, marking the formal induction of new students into the teaching profession pathway.