Professor Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji, Vice-Chancellor Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin.
The Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Professor Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji, has charged newly inducted teachers to uphold integrity, embrace innovation, and remain adaptable as they begin their professional journey in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving education sector.
He gave the charge on Wednesday during the 3rd Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) Professional Induction Ceremony, Award of Honours, and Faculty Magazine Launch held at the university.
Prof. Oladimeji described the ceremony as a major milestone for the institution, noting that Al-Hikmah University has continued to record remarkable achievements in professional training.
“Today, Al-Hikmah University is having four different inductions of professional programmes. How lucky would a vice chancellor be to have such induction of well-rounded professionals?” he remarked.
Reflecting on the state of the teaching profession before the establishment of TRCN, the VC said the sector lacked structure and regulation.
“Before the emergence of TRCN, the teaching profession in Nigeria faced numerous challenges. There was no national register of teachers, no standard for qualification, and no mechanism to enforce ethics. This made it easy for unqualified individuals to enter the classroom,” he noted.
He said the TRCN Act has since transformed the sector by restoring professionalism, raising standards, and enhancing accountability.
“TRCN was designed to ensure that only qualified, competent, and ethical practitioners are entrusted with shaping the minds of Nigeria’s future generations,” he added.
Prof. Oladimeji urged the new teachers to commit to lifelong learning and technological adaptation as the world of education continues to change.
“Embrace technology, pursue continuous professional development, and remain adaptable in your methods. Remember that every child you teach becomes part of your legacy,” he advised.
The VC commended the leadership of TRCN for its sustained efforts in strengthening teaching quality and restoring public confidence in the profession.
He also lauded the Faculty of Education for honouring distinguished contributors to national development and for launching its new magazine, describing the publication as “a thoughtful and well-designed contribution that sets a high standard for excellence.”
Professor Oladimeji thanked all partners, guests, and awardees for supporting the growth of education in Nigeria and prayed for their safe return to their destinations.
Representing the TRCN Registrar/Chief Executive, Dr Ronke Soyombo, Dr Magaji Waziri echoed the call for competence-driven teaching, emphasising 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 our learners to excel.”
He reminded the inductees that joining the TRCN register places them in a professional community that requires integrity, creativity and responsibility.
“Only qualified, competent and certified individuals must teach in our schools. Your conduct reflects on your institution and on the nation,” he added.
A former Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin and guest lecturer, Professor Alfred Akimbo Adegoke, delivered a sobering message on the state of Nigeria’s education sector, warning that quality learning will remain elusive unless teachers receive proper training, respect and support.
“Our education rises when teachers rise, and it falls when teachers are neglected,” he declared. “No society has ever achieved quality education without prioritising its teachers.”
Prof Adegoke lamented that many schools still rely on underqualified teachers, noting that in some states, as many as 60 percent lack basic competency. “These are data-backed realities,”
“We have pupils who struggle with reading and simple numeracy because their teachers are not adequately prepared.”
He decried gaps in teacher education, inconsistent policies and what he described as the declining societal regard for teachers. “When society stops respecting teachers, it weakens the entire system,” he said.
Drawing from global examples such as 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 ended with a charge to the inductees to step into the field with courage, passion and professionalism, carrying the message that the future of Nigerian education rests heavily on their shoulders.
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