Toye Fisher
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, has charged prospective teachers to see the classroom as a platform for nation-building and societal transformation rather than merely a source of income.
Professor Ogunwole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Tajudeen Opoola, gave the charge during the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) Induction Ceremony for final-year students of the Faculty of Education and qualified members of staff of the University.
Addressing the inductees, the Vice-Chancellor described the event as more than a ceremonial rite, noting that it signified a commitment to excellence and formal entry into one of humanity’s most noble professions.
He reminded the inductees that the TRCN licence symbolises trust, competence and ethical responsibility, urging them to remain committed to shaping lives and building the future through education.
“Do not enter the classroom merely to earn a salary; enter it as a nation-builder,” he charged.
Earlier, the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Education, Dr. Sunday Ade Adeniran, congratulated the inductees on attaining a significant professional milestone. He described the ceremony as a defining moment after years of hard work, sacrifice and dedication, urging them to uphold the values of professionalism and excellence in their careers.
In her address, the Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Dr. Ronke Soyombo, represented by Mrs Adeoye Ruth, encouraged the newly inducted teachers to embrace innovation, resilience and lifelong learning.
She announced the introduction of a new digital TRCN portal designed to streamline teacher registration, licensing and licence renewal processes, while also providing a centralized platform for professional development and performance tracking.
According to her, the platform was created to support educators and strengthen professional standards within the teaching profession.
Dr. Soyombo noted that the inductees, having undergone rigorous training at FUOYE, were prepared to teach with resilience, adaptability and purpose.
“You are entering classrooms not only with knowledge, but with the life experience of overcoming challenges and embracing lifelong learning. Let that spirit guide your teaching,” she stated.
She further urged them to uphold the core values of the Council; professionalism, excellence and service, while taking advantage of available digital tools, renewing their licences regularly, engaging in continuous professional development and teaching with empathy and integrity.
“Nigeria needs you, our children need you, and the world awaits the impact you will make,” she added.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the Teachers’ Oath of Allegiance for the newly inducted professionals, conducted by the TRCN representative.
The event also featured colourful cultural performances and an impressive display of a synchronised exercise session by students of Department of Human Kinetics Education, adding excitement and splendour to the occasion.
Other notable personalities present were Olorunshola Israel, Ekiti State TRCN Coordinator; Mrs Adurosakin Folasade and Mr Ogunleye Ifeoluwa as well as HODs from the faculty of education.
The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), established by Decree No. 31 of 1993 and currently governed by the TRCN Act CAP T3 of 2004, is the statutory body responsible for regulating and controlling the teaching profession in Nigeria.
Photo Credit: Toye Fisher
