From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, has charged newly inducted teachers to step into the classroom with integrity, innovation and renewed commitment as they join Nigeria’s competitive education sector.
Speaking at the university’s 3rd Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Professional Induction Ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Lateef Oladimeji, said the institution was proud to produce another set of professionally certified educators at a time the nation urgently needs competent teachers.
“This ceremony marks a remarkable milestone for us. Today alone, Al-Hikmah University is conducting four different professional inductions. How lucky can a vice chancellor be to witness the emergence of well-rounded professionals?” he said.
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Reflecting on the difficulties that once plagued the teaching profession, the VC recalled that before the establishment of TRCN, “there was no national register of teachers, no standard for qualification and no mechanism to enforce ethics,” adding that the sector had since been transformed.
“TRCN restored professionalism and accountability. It ensured that only qualified, competent and ethical practitioners shape the minds of Nigeria’s future generations,” he said.
Professor Oladimeji encouraged new teachers to adopt lifelong learning and embrace technological skills necessary for modern classrooms. “The world of education is rapidly changing. Embrace technology, pursue continuous professional development and remain adaptable. Every child you teach becomes part of your legacy,” he added.
He applauded the TRCN for its dedication to raising national teaching standards and urged the inductees to uphold excellence wherever they serve. “Go to the field with courage and passion. Be exemplary ambassadors of this university,” he advised.
Representing the TRCN Registrar/Chief Executive, Dr Ronke Soyombo, Dr Magaji Waziri, reminded the inductees that the success of Nigeria’s education system rests heavily on the competence and commitment of its teachers. “The teacher is the most important element in every educational process. Our children’s future depends on how well you carry out this responsibility,” he said.
He stressed the need for digital literacy, saying, “In today’s world, you cannot afford to ignore technology. Every teacher must become a technology advocate if we truly want to prepare our learners for excellence.”
Waziri also reiterated TRCN’s stance that only certified and competent individuals should be entrusted with teaching. “This ceremony is not just about receiving certificates. You are joining a professional community, and you must uphold its integrity wherever you go,” he added.
In his keynote address, former Dean of Education, University of Ilorin, Professor Alfred Adegoke, warned that Nigeria’s education system will continue to decline unless teachers receive proper training, respect and support.
“Our education rises when teachers rise, and it falls when teachers are neglected. No society has ever achieved quality education without prioritising its teachers,” he said.
Adegoke expressed worry that many schools still rely on underqualified teachers, noting that in some states, “as many as 60 percent of teachers lack the required competency levels,” a situation he said directly affects pupils’ learning outcomes.
He lamented that many education graduates leave universities without adequate teaching practice or exposure to modern techniques. “We see a widening gap between what training institutions offer and what schools actually need,” he explained.
Citing successful education models from Finland, Singapore, Rwanda and Ghana, the professor urged government and policymakers to prioritise teacher welfare, continuous training and consistent policies.
“Everything begins with the teacher. If we don’t fix the teacher, we can’t fix education,” he said.
The ceremony also featured the launch of the Faculty of Education magazine and awards to distinguished contributors. Professor Oladimeji, described the publication as “a thoughtful and well-designed contribution that sets a high standard for excellence” and prayed for safe journeys for all participants.
