UNICAL: The future of our country is in your hands, do not destroy it, VC charges professional teachers

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar ( Unical), Prof Florence Banku Obi has charged 176 newly inducted Professional Teachers of the institution to remain committed to the noble profession as the future of the country is bequeathed into their hands, saying they should protect it jealousy and not destroy it, Myschoolnews report.

Prof. Obi gave the charge at the Senate Chambers of the University during the 8th induction and Oath-taking ceremony of Professional Teachers conducted by the Teacher's Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), for graduates of the three Faculties of Education, Unical.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Linkages and Collaboration, Prof Peter Okafor, the Vice Chancellor further described the teaching profession as the ' mother of all professions, adding that, other professions emanate from it.

She said," The future of our country is bequeathed into your hands. Don't destroy it, don't rape it, don't pollute it but rather protect it , conserve it and bring the best out of it."

The University administrator said the university remains committed to raising proven professionals who are found worthy in character and learning.

Prof Florence Obi expressed confidence that the inductees have been well nurtured to become proud ambassadors of the University, adding that, " the University is proud to send them out as her ambassadors who are fit and ready to blaze."

Prof Obi admonished the inductees to adhere strictly to the tenets of the teaching profession and be teachers that pupils will remember with joy and be glad to tell their stories.

This came as she eulogized lecturers in the three Faculties of Education for their immense contributions towards the professional development of the graduates.

The Vice Chancellor also thanked the TRCN for certifying the inductees, which she said, is an indication that the inductees have been fully licensed as professional teachers.

The Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Education, Prof. Arikpo B.Arikpo who spoke on behalf of the three Faculties of Education said the quality of a nation's socioeconomic and political development is inherently dependent on the quality of Teachers at various strata of education in the country.

The Dean reminded the inductees that a teacher must guide students and members of their immediate society to acquire knowledge for societal development.

The Dean reminded the inductees that a teacher must guide students and members of their immediate society to acquire knowledge for societal development.

He said as Professional Teachers, they should strive to popularise their profession, maintaining that, "do realize that the future is what you are expected to create through the knowledge you have acquired and you are to impart".

While congratulating the inductees for braving the odds in the course of their academic pursuits, he commended the Vice Chancellor for providing an enabling environment for the training and professional development of the graduates.

The Registrar/Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of TRCN, Prof Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye appreciated and applauded the commitment of the Vice Chancellor and the University Management for always giving a high premium to the TRCN protocols which enhances its quality assurance trade mark in conformity with International best practices.

While applauding the Faculties of Education for the pivotal role played in training the inductees, the TRCN CEO said, "You are not only creating lives but you are moulding lives".

The Registrar who was represented by the TCRN's Director of Regulation, and Accreditation, Dr. Bimbo Okunola urged the inductees to be good representatives of TRCN, adding that, they should always dress well thereby challenging their students to imbibe the qualities of a professional Teacher.

In his words," You are a Teacher, you are not just a teacher but a facilitator, not just a facilitator but a moulder, not just a moulder but a developer.

"We want you to go out and be a chain breaker, one who will change the narrative in our classrooms".

He warned that there are sanctions for those who may fail to abide by the rules and ethics of the profession and urged them to go out and impact society positively. 

The event featured an induction lecture by Prof. Idaka I. Idaka who spoke on the Topic: Education in Nigeria at the cross road: The way forward".