The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has inducted 457 newly certified teachers into the teaching profession at the Federal University of Education, Pankshin (FUEP), Plateau State.
The induction ceremony featured calls on the newly certified teachers to uphold professional ethics, demonstrate integrity and remain committed to shaping the future of the country through quality education.
The Vice-Chancellor of FUEP, Professor Noel Wannang, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Anthonia Chukwu, described teacher education as a powerful instrument for national development, noting that teachers play fundamental roles in shaping minds, building character and preparing learners to become responsible citizens.
Professor Wannang, who acknowledged TRCN’s contributions to strengthening the teaching profession through registration, certification and the promotion of professional standards, said teachers do more than transmit knowledge, as they also inspire curiosity, nurture creativity and contribute significantly to societal development.
He charged the inductees to uphold integrity, fairness, discipline and professional ethics in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Vice-Chancellor also urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of FUEP, stressing that their conduct, competence, diligence and achievements should reflect positively on the University and the teaching profession.
In a special report, the Director of External Programmes, Professor Solomon E. Mangvwat, disclosed that the 457 inductees comprised three doctorate degree holders, 18 master’s degree holders, 215 bachelor’s degree holders and 221 holders of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).
He described the induction as a significant milestone and the beginning of a responsibility that goes beyond academic qualifications, noting that teaching is a commitment to shaping minds, building character and preparing future generations.
Professor Mangvwat encouraged the newly inducted teachers to embrace their responsibility of transforming lives, reminding them that one does not have to be famous to make a difference in someone’s life.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Theresa Stephen Gyang of the Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, University of Jos, and Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, described teaching as one of the most influential professions and the foundation upon which virtually every other profession is built.
She observed that professionals across different fields, including engineering, medicine, law, aviation, administration, science and entrepreneurship, all benefited from the training and guidance of teachers.
Professor Gyang described the induction as timely and appropriate, noting that it formally recognises and endorses qualified professionals into the teaching profession.
Speaking on behalf of the TRCN Registrar and Chief Executive, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, the Director of the Examination Board, Dr. Jacinta Ezeahurukwe, appreciated the University management, keynote speaker and other dignitaries for their participation.
She explained that TRCN is the regulatory body responsible for the registration and regulation of teachers in Nigeria, emphasising that professional recognition by the Council is essential for qualified teaching practice.
According to her, the Council is committed to aligning the teaching profession with international standards, improving teaching quality and ensuring that only qualified professionals are recognised.
She described teaching as a prestigious profession and urged the inductees to take the oath-taking exercise seriously, as it formally marks their recognition as members of the profession.
Dr. Ezeahurukwe further encouraged them to inspire hope wherever others see limitations, embrace the challenges ahead and ensure timely renewal of their professional licences to maintain their professional status.
In a goodwill message on behalf of the Chairman, Committee of Deans, Professor Dung Mohammed Dauda, represented by a Council Member and Dean, College of Vocational and Technical Education, FUEP, Professor Godfrey Daboer, congratulated the inductees on their entry into what he described as the mother of all professions.
He identified teachers as the pillars upon which other professions are built and urged the newly certified professionals to remain dedicated, committed and passionate about their responsibilities.
Speaking on behalf of the inductees, Dr. Dalyop Yusuf Shom expressed appreciation for the opportunity to be formally recognised and inducted into the teaching profession.
The inductees also acknowledged their teachers for the knowledge imparted to them and appreciated their parents and guardians for their encouragement, support and sacrifices throughout their academic journey.
In his vote of thanks, the University Registrar, Mr. Longtong Godwill Yadok, expressed appreciation to God for the successful ceremony and thanked the Vice-Chancellor, TRCN Registrar, keynote speaker and other distinguished guests for their contributions.
He expressed optimism about stronger collaboration between FUEP and TRCN in advancing teacher education and professional development.
The high point of the ceremony was the formal induction of the 457 newly certified teachers into the teaching profession and the presentation of certificates by the TRCN Registrar/Chief Executive.
