…You are Stepping into a Position of Immense Responsibility - Prof. Akinwumi

The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) achieved a significant milestone on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, as it held its maiden professional induction ceremony for education graduates. The event, which took place at the Multipurpose Hall in Felele, saw 52 out of 200 graduating students formally inducted into the teaching profession.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of FUL, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, emphasized the University’s commitment to improving teachers' education. He noted that while only 52 students were being inducted at this ceremony, many other graduates had been certified through the National Certificate in Education (NCE) program. Prof. Akinwumi expressed optimism that future induction ceremonies would see greater participation, pointing to the ongoing six-month teaching practice involving over 1,200 student-teachers.

The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the challenges facing teachers' training, particularly students' apathy towards education courses. However, he outlined the University's plan to enhance ICT-driven pedagogy, including constructing a multimedia micro-teaching laboratory. He also reaffirmed the Institution's dedication to providing a conducive learning environment and addressing infrastructure deficits through community engagement and support from well-meaning Nigerians.

In a powerful charge to the inductees, Prof. Akinwumi remarked, “This moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives as certified professionals in one of the most noble and impactful professions—teaching. As you are inducted into the TRCN today, you are not just joining the workforce; you are stepping into a position of immense responsibility.” He reminded them that they had been rigorously trained, tested, and proven capable of educating and shaping the future generation.

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Dr. Josiah Ajiboye, represented at the ceremony by Dr. Okunola Abimbola, urged the inductees to take pride in their profession. He stressed the importance of teachers, noting that their work influences all other professions. Dr. Abimbola encouraged the new teachers to apply the knowledge and strategies learned during their training, including integrating modern and digitalized methods of knowledge transmission, to remain relevant in the profession.

A key highlight of the event was an induction lecture delivered by Dr. Joseph Onimisi, entitled “The Challenge of Teacher Training in 21st Century Nigeria.” In the lecture, Dr. Onimisi emphasized the need for innovation in utilizing available resources, creativity in teaching, continuous digital training, and exploration of new funding opportunities to overcome the challenges facing teacher education in Nigeria.

The ceremony also featured the administration of the Teachers' Oath of Allegiance and the formal admission of the inductees into the prestigious teaching profession by the TRCN Registrar. The newly inducted teachers were also presented with certificates.

Speaking on behalf of the inductees, the President of the Nigerian University Education Students Association (NUESA), FUL Chapter, Ogunlowo Abel, expressed deep gratitude to FUL and the TRCN for their efforts in preparing the new teachers. He pledged that the inductees would uphold the highest standards of the profession, embrace lifelong learning, adapt to technological advancements, and prioritize their students' needs. See more pictures here

Congratulations!