Rivers State University has officially inducted a new set of graduate teachers into the teaching profession during the 10th Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) Induction Ceremony, organised by the Faculty of Education. The ceremony held recently at the University’s Amphitheatre.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, described teaching as the noblest of all professions, noting that every successful professional is a product of a teacher’s guidance. He emphasised that professional certification distinguishes qualified teachers from untrained practitioners and reaffirmed the vital role of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) in maintaining professional standards, ethics and accountability.
The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the newly inducted teachers to embrace teaching as a lifelong calling, uphold the highest ethical standards, actively participate in TRCN activities and remain committed to shaping future generations through quality education.
Delivering her keynote address, the Registrar and Chief Executive of TRCN, Dr Ronke Soyombo, congratulated the inductees on attaining professional status. She described the induction as a significant milestone that formally welcomes them into a profession dedicated to nation-building and the development of future generations.
Dr. Soyombo highlighted key reforms introduced by the Council, including the digitalisation of teacher registration and certification, the establishment of the Criminal Record Bureau and Teachers Investigating Panels, improvements to the Professional Qualifying Examination, the Teacher Supporting Teacher Initiative and the successful hosting of Nigeria’s first National Teacher Summit. She urged the new teachers to embrace lifelong learning, digital innovation and excellence in professional practice.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Isaac N. Dukubo, congratulated the inductees and reminded them that teaching demands patience, discipline, dedication and continuous professional growth. He also appreciated the University Management and TRCN for their support towards the success of the induction ceremony.
The induction lecture was delivered by Professor Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle, former Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), on the theme: “Lifting the Pedestal of Learning: The Imperatives of Professional Qualification and Global Standards in the Nigerian School System.”
Professor Okwelle stressed the importance of professional qualification, continuous development, ethical practice, digital transformation, curriculum modernisation and the integration of technology and artificial intelligence in education. He encouraged the inductees to become lifelong learners and passionate nation-builders committed to preserving the dignity of the teaching profession.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the formal induction of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, into the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), where he received his Certificate of Registration as a professionally registered teacher.
Congratulations to all the newly inducted professional teachers as they begin a new chapter of service, leadership and impact in the education sector.
