The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) on Wednesday inducted 258 graduate teachers into the teaching…

The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) on Wednesday inducted 258 graduate teachers into the teaching profession.

The teachers were formally admitted into the profession during the 10th Induction Ceremony for graduate teachers held at the University of Abuja, now Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, where they took the Teachers’ Oath of Allegiance.

It will be recalled that the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) had  expressed concerns over the alarming manpower crisis in the country’s public primary and secondary schools, with a shortage of over 194,876 teachers.

Addressing the inductees, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Hosea Abalaka Apeh, urged them to see teaching as a calling rather than merely a source of income, noting that Nigeria’s education challenges require committed professionals.

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“Nigeria continues to grapple with learning gaps, out-of-school children, rapid technological change, unemployment and increasing demands on our education system. These challenges cannot be solved by policies alone; they require committed professional teachers,” he said.

He advised the new teachers to embrace technology without sacrificing compassion, stressing that “a teacher who teaches with purpose transforms lives.”

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, described the induction as more than the presentation of certificates, saying it marked the graduates’ readiness to uphold the values and responsibilities of the profession.

“Never underestimate the influence you will have on the lives of those you teach and on society at large. Carry this responsibility with humility, dedication and pride,” he charged the inductees.

Speaking on behalf of Dr. Ronke Soyombo, TRCN Registrar and Chief Executive, Dr. Bimbo Okunola said the newly inducted teachers were entering a profession that remains central to national development.

“This occasion is not merely a ceremony; it is a covenant and the beginning of a journey of purpose and fulfilment,” she said, adding that professionally qualified teachers would enjoy greater employment opportunities as schools move towards full compliance with the Federal Government’s certification policy.

She disclosed that TRCN had digitised its services, enabling successful candidates to obtain practising licences and certificates online, while also introducing technology-driven resources, including AI-supported lesson planning tools, to enhance classroom practice.

The guest lecturer, Prof. Jonathan Ikerionwu who delivered a lecture on “Purpose, Professionalism, Ethics, and Excellence in the 21st Century,” encouraged the teachers to master their subjects, embrace artificial intelligence, pursue higher qualifications and inspire learners through excellence rather than fear.

“Teaching is the best profession. All other professions depend on teaching. You must be a master of your subjects. Teachers must take into cognisance to slow and fast learners. Go out of your way to make your students excellent. You must be loved by your students. Improve your standards by going for higher education. Don’t flog your students with cane. You must be familiar with artificial intelligence to improve your teaching,” he said.