TRCN Urges Members to Embrace Current Trends in Education Sector at AKSU's 6th Induction/Oath-Taking Ceremony

The Registrar and Chief Executive, Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Prof. Josiah O. Ajiboye has urged serving teachers and new recipients of the Body to embrace current trends, orientation and information technology skills in the education sector as against the old practice of going to class with only notebooks and textbooks.

Prof. Josiah Ajiboye made the call through his representative, the Director in charge of Regulation, Accreditation and Enforcement, TRCN Headquarters, Abuja, Dr. Abimbola Okunola during the 6th Induction/Oath-Taking Ceremony of Graduating Teachers by the Body at the Main Campus, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Friday, September 20, 2024.

While commending the Management of the University for its commitment towards graduating worthy ambassadors of the Institution as evident in their excellent performance during the examination, Prof. Ajiboye informed that 154 students wrote the examination, 144 passed and 137 were presented for induction. He added that in the last five years, the Faculty of Education had inducted 325 graduates into the TRCN. Prof. Ajiboye advised that the teachers should be innovative and intentional about the use of technological gadgets, think outside the box and embrace the current social media platforms to enhance learning performance that suit the modern age of information.

Prof. Ajiboye added that the Induction/Oath-Taking exercise remains a noble course, as such; the TRCN advocates that teaching, just like medicine, law, engineering and other professions requires only those who are adequately prepared and regulated to be entrusted with teaching and learning process. “You are not just playing the role of teachers; you are facilitators and role models. You need to let the world know that without you, there will be no society; teachers are the bedrock of the society, so let us change the narrative,” he stressed.

The Vice-Chancellor, AKSU, also the Chairman and Chief Host of the Induction and Oath-taking ceremony, Prof. Nse U. Essien, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. OtoAbasi Akpan described teaching as a noble and dynamic profession guided by ethics. Prof. Essien reiterated that maintaining teachers’ professional standards remains a task that must be done holistically.

Considering the fact that teachers are the pivot of Akwa Ibom State University on which the educational system rests, he emphasised that the importance and place of teachers in the education process is highly priced by all Nations of the world. He welcomed the Registrar and Chief Executive of TRCN and assured that the University will continue to collaborate with them to train more professional teachers.

In his address, the Dean, Faculty of Education and Host of the occasion, Dr. Iniobong F. Akpan said that the Induction/Oath-Taking ceremony is a mark of fulfillment for the University as Faculty of Education is counted among those institutions that have made remarkable contributions in the production of professionally trained teachers. He appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, TRCN Registrar and Executive for their support towards the success of the ceremony. 

Speaking during the occasion, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Education, Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebiet, represented by the Registrar, TRCN, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Mrs. Edima Idim, appreciated His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno for declaring ‘State of Emergency’ in the Education sector through the ARISE AGENDA and the efforts made by the Ministry of Education towards improving teaching and learning process by partnering with stakeholders in the Education sector to inspire students to become strategic learners. She commended the efforts of the Vice-Chancellor of AKSU, and the Dean, Faculty of Education for the commitment and passion they have shown to improve academics in the Institution. She congratulated the inductees for the enviable feat they have achieved, stating that the giant strides recorded are the results of hard-work, dedication and commitment to their studies.

In a lecture entitled ‘Teachers’ Preparation: Empowering The Next Generation For Educational Transformation’, the Induction Lecturer and Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Uyo, Prof. Imabong Daniel Akpan, MNAE stated that teaching is a challenging but rewarding profession which allows the guidance of students as they navigate their way through learning. She added that teachers’ preparation involves getting ready for teaching in classes in order to deliver productive and engaging lessons for students as well as maximising the effectiveness of time and other resources. 

Prof. Akpan listed the key pillars of preparation in teaching to include: training, planning and coaching, leading to benefits like improved teaching skills, enhanced students’ learning  performance, effective use of time, fewer disciplinary issues, increased confidence and demonstrable passion and skills  through Educational Transformational concepts like curriculum redesign, pedagogical innovations, Technology Integration, equity and inclusion, assessment, reforms and lifelong learning  mindsets.

Responding on behalf of the inductees, Teacher David John appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, Dean Faculty of Education, Lecturers in the Faculty of Education and the entire University Management for their visionary leadership and providing a conducive learning environment resulting in their excellent academic performance and character development.

Goodwill messages were given by the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, who is also the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Esio O. Oboho and Prof. Uduak Imoh Ekpoh from the Faculty of Education as they congratulated the inductees for embracing the noble profession that passes knowledge and value to individuals, encouraged them not to limit themselves to the classrooms but to contribute meaningfully to the leadership policies of our Nation Nigeria by participating in political exercises, stating that Nigeria needs leaders with integrity, a sense of commitment and dignity like teachers who will meet the expectations of the Nations.

In a vote of thanks, the Head, Department of Science Education, Dr. Nkoyo Thomas, expressed gratitude to the University Management, Faculty of Education and the inductees for making the event a success. Dr. Thomas also advised the inductees to embrace the teaching profession with compassion and love towards the psychological and educational needs of their students by always giving them listening ears. She urged them to raise a generation of cultured, mature, dependable and responsible students whose sky will not only be their limit but a starting point.   

High point of the programme was the administration of Teacher’s Oath of Allegiance and Formal Admission of the inductees into the TRCN by the Registrar and Chief Executive, TRCN. The Body earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor.

Present at the event from AKSU were: Deans of Faculties, Directors, Heads of Departments and Directorates, members of the Faculty of Education and students. Others were: Deans of Faculties from other Institutions, Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, family members, friends and well-wishers.