Al-Hikmah VC, TRCN, Experts Urge New Teachers to Restore Pride, Professionalism in Nigeria’s Classrooms
Vice-Chancellor, Professor L. F. Oladimeji.
Education stakeholders in Nigeria have tasked newly inducted teachers with the responsibility of restoring dignity, professionalism and innovation to the country’s classrooms.
The charge was delivered during the 3rd Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) Professional Induction Ceremony, Award of Honours and Faculty Magazine Launch held at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji, described the event as “a defining moment for the teaching profession.”
Addressing the inductees, Professor Oladimeji urged them to begin their teaching careers with integrity, commitment and creativity, noting that Al-Hikmah University was proud to produce “well-rounded professionals who will shape the future of Nigeria’s classrooms.”
“Before the emergence of TRCN, teaching was open to all manners of unqualified entrants,” he said. “There was no national register, no standards and no mechanism for enforcing ethics. TRCN changed all that by restoring professionalism and accountability.”
He reminded the teachers that classroom practice is evolving and must align with global trends. “Embrace technology and continuous learning. Every child you teach becomes part of your legacy, so teach with purpose and passion,” he added.
The Vice Chancellor also commended TRCN’s leadership for strengthening public trust in the teaching profession and praised the university’s Faculty of Education for honouring distinguished Nigerians and launching a magazine he described as “a thoughtful and well-designed contribution to academic excellence.”
Representing the TRCN Registrar/Chief Executive, Dr Ronke Soyombo, Dr Magaji Waziri reiterated the need for competence-driven teaching, stressing that the quality of Nigeria’s future depends on the quality of its teachers.
“The teacher is the most important element in every educational process,” he said. “In today’s world, you cannot afford to ignore technology. Every teacher must become a technology advocate if we want learners to excel.”
He noted that joining the TRCN register places the inductees within a professional community bound by ethics, diligence and innovation. “Only qualified, competent and certified individuals must teach in our schools. Your conduct reflects on the entire nation,” he added.
Guest lecturer and former Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Professor Alfred Akimbo Adegoke, delivered a stark assessment of Nigeria’s education sector.
He warned that quality learning will remain out of reach unless teachers receive proper training, respect and sustained institutional support.
“Our education rises when teachers rise, and it falls when teachers are neglected,” he said. “No society has ever achieved quality education without prioritising its teachers.”
Prof. Adegoke lamented that many schools still rely on underqualified teachers, estimating that in some states, up to 60 percent lack basic instructional competence. “These are data-backed realities,”
“We have pupils who struggle with reading and simple numeracy because their teachers are not adequately trained,” he added.
He highlighted gaps in teacher education, inconsistent policy reforms and what he described as a declining societal regard for the teaching profession. “When society stops respecting teachers, the entire system weakens.”
Citing global examples from Finland, Singapore, Rwanda and Ghana, he urged Nigeria to prioritise teacher welfare, digital infrastructure and continuous training. “If we don’t fix the teacher, we can’t fix education,” he warned.
The ceremony closed with a charge to the inductees to enter the field with courage, passion and professionalism, carrying the understanding that the future of Nigerian education rests significantly on their shoulders.
