Newly inducted teachers at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, have been charged to uphold integrity, embrace innovation and prepare for the fast-changing demands of Nigeria’s education sector.

Speaking at the 3rd TRCN Professional Induction Ceremony, Award of Honours and Faculty Magazine Launch, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji, described the event as a defining moment for both the institution and the inductees.

According to him, the gathering symbolised Al-Hikmah’s progress in training professionals equipped for national development. “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 said.

Reflecting on the past challenges in the teaching profession, the VC noted that the TRCN Act restored order and professionalism to a sector once riddled with unqualified practitioners. “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,” he explained. “TRCN was designed to ensure that only qualified, competent and ethical practitioners are entrusted with shaping the minds of Nigeria’s future generations.”

Professor Oladimeji urged the inductees to cultivate lifelong learning and adopt technology as part of their teaching method. “The world of education is rapidly changing. Embrace technology, pursue continuous professional development and remain adaptable in your methods,” he advised. “Remember that every child you teach becomes part of your legacy.”

He commended the TRCN for its commitment to strengthening teaching standards nationwide and encouraged the graduates to represent the university with excellence. “Go to the field with courage and passion. Be exemplary ambassadors of this university and let your work speak excellence at all times,” he added.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the TRCN Registrar/Chief Executive, Dr Ronke Soyombo, represented by Dr Magaji Waziri, reminded the inductees that the future of Nigeria’s education system rests on their competence and ethics. “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 emphasised the importance of digital literacy, saying modern teaching demands a strong blend of subject mastery and technological skills. “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,” he stated.

The TRCN chief reaffirmed the council’s insistence that only qualified and certified professionals should teach in Nigerian schools. “Only qualified, competent and professionally certified individuals must have access to teach in our schools,” he stressed.

A guest lecturer and former Dean of Education at the University of Ilorin, Professor Alfred Akimbo Adegoke, warned that Nigeria’s education system would continue to decline unless teachers receive adequate support, respect and training.

“Our education rises when teachers rise, and it falls when teachers are neglected,” he said. “The teacher remains the single most influential factor in learning outcomes. No society has ever achieved quality education without prioritising its teachers.”

Prof Adegoke expressed concern about the high number of underqualified teachers across states, saying this deficit directly affects pupils’ literacy and numeracy skills. “Realistically, we have children in primary schools who struggle with basic reading and comprehension. These are not rumours; they are data-backed realities,” he noted.

He lamented gaps in teacher training, weak policies and low societal regard for teachers, arguing that these issues undermine classroom performance. “In those days, teachers were respected as community leaders. Today, many teachers feel undervalued, demoralised and poorly supported,” he said.

Drawing inspiration from countries like Finland, Singapore, Rwanda and Ghana, he called for urgent reforms. “If we fund education properly and treat teachers as central to the system – not as accessories – we can change the narrative,” he said. “Everything begins with the teacher. If we don’t fix the teacher, we can’t fix education.”

The ceremony also featured presentation of awards and the launch of the Faculty of Education magazine, which the Vice Chancellor described as “a thoughtful and well-designed contribution that sets a high standard for excellence.”

He prayed for safe travels for all guests and partners, appreciating their support for the university’s development.