A total of six hundred and ninety-nine (699) final-year students (2024/2025 Academic Session) of the Faculty of Education, University of Lagos have been inducted as professional teachers in the education sector by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
Speaking at the Induction Ceremony which was held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Education Hall (Glass House), the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Simeon Adebayo Oladipo, congratulated the final-year students for passing the 2025 Professional Qualification Examination Integrated (PQEI), conducted by TRCN. He noted that the TRCN certification had upgraded them to the rank of professionals, committed to upholding a code of excellence, integrity, and lifelong learning.
The Dean, who also served as the representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folashade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, at the event; praised TRCN for the significant progress it has recorded in ensuring the registration of teachers in Nigeria.
With the “education is the most powerful weapon to change the world” quote of Nelson Mandela (South Africa’s first democratically elected President), Prof. Oladipo encouraged the new inductees to pursue continuous professional development through workshops, advanced studies, and membership of relevant professional bodies such as the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT).
According to him, the induction is a call to action, challenging inductees to bridge educational gaps, employ differentiated instruction, contextualize their teaching, and advocate for resources to ensure inclusive education.
While wishing the inductees fulfilling careers with lasting impact, and profound legacy, Prof. Oladipo also encouraged them to teach with passion, make a positive impact, and contribute to building a better Nigeria document their experiences, share best practices, and contribute to educational research.
Upholding Professional Integrity as Teachers
The Induction Ceremony featured the presentation of a keynote address on Upholding Professional Integrity as Teachers by the Sandwich Coordinator, Dr. Akeem Adekunle.
The address highlighted the following as the four key pillars of professionalism: Competence, Ethical conduct, Commitment to service, and Collaborative leadership.
Emphasizing that professional integrity is the foundation of effective teaching; Dr. Adekunle outlined the key ethical principles of the profession as honesty, fairness, and dedication. He reminded the inductees that maintaining professional integrity protects them from pressures that could undermine the quality and trustworthiness of education.
The renowned academic also stressed the need for modern teachers to be tech-savvy, creative, and adaptable, due to their vital role of nurturing minds and shaping the nation’s future. He described teachers as not just conveyors of knowledge but role models who influence the character and future of their students.
According to him, use of technology should not be seen as a replacement for human connection but as a tool to enhance learning, collaboration, and creativity.
Dr. Adekunle encouraged the inductees to teach with passion, purpose, integrity, and love – qualities that drive excellence. He urged them to embrace continuous growth, accept constructive criticism, and lead with humility and courage.
The Four C’s
In her address, the Registrar and CEO of TRCN, Dr. Ronke Soyombo who is a proud UNILAG alumna of 35 years, congratulated the new inductees for becoming certified teachers, and urged them to strive for excellence, uphold students’ dignity and report concerns responsibly. She also stressed the importance of embracing modern tools and artificial intelligence to stay relevant in the digital era.
The TRCN Registrar/CEO advised the inductees to foster a culture of care, trust, and accountability in their professional duties. She emphasized the need for them to integrate the four Cs into teaching to enhance problem-solving and teamwork. The four Cs are: Critical thinking, Collaboration, Creativity, and Communication.
Dr. Soyombo noted that TRCN registration is not just a formality but a badge of honour representing continuous learning, compassion, and resilience in the face of educational challenges.
She felicitated with the inductees and prayed for their success as distinguished educators.
Certificates of Registration and Teachers’ Oath of Allegiance
The highpoint of the ceremony was the issuance of Certificates of Registration, and recitation of the Teachers’ Oath of Allegiance by the inductees, in line with the TRCN Act CAP T3 of 2004. They collectively pledged to uphold the dignity of the teaching profession by avoiding personal interests that could influence their official conduct or decisions.
The ceremony was witnessed by dignitaries including the Sub-Dean, Faculty of Education, Dr. Adetoun Emiola; Former Sub-Dean, Faculty of Education, Dr Sola Lawrence Ige; South West Zonal Coordinator of TRCN, Dr. Akeem Otun; Lagos Coordinator I of TRCN, Mr. Muyiwa Ojeniyi; and Lagos State Coordinator II of TRCN, Prince Ade Ekuna among others.
Report: Ojo-Alo Oluwatoyin
Photograph: Samuel Dosumu
