Teaching profession is not useless, but one of the best says Prof. Popoola

The Vice-Chancellor of the Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED) Ondo, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, has described teaching profession as one of the best from which people could attain successful career in life.

Prof. Popoola made the statement in a speech delivered at the 2025/2026 Matriculation ceremony organised for students admitted by the University, for professional Diploma in Education (PDE) programme, which held on Wednesday April 15, 2026 in the institution.

Describing teaching as prestigious and noble profession, the University Administrator, urged practicing teachers not to be discouraged by challenges facing them on the job, but do everything possible to elevate the profession by " showing high level of commitment, professionalism and perseverance".

His words: " Let the prestige that we desire for this profession come back and let the people know that we are disciplined people and one with high esteem.

"The teaching profession is not a useless job at all, it is one of the best. Let this profession be seen as a noble one in the eyes of everyone, including those who don't want to give due respect to the profession" he remarked.

Prof. Popoola commended the matriculating students for undertaking the programme and reminded them of the role they are expected to play in society in " shaping the minds of future generations ".

He said: " If we are preparing you to service the education system, it means you are very important because it is always said that there is no education system, that can rise above the quality of its teachers, so, if we have high quality teachers, it then means we are preparing the way for a very efficient education system".

The University Administrator also stressed the need for the matriculating students to see teaching profession" not just as a career, but a calling that requires passion, patience and perseverance, saying when we do our work as teachers, everyone is happy, but this goes beyond monetary reward" he stated.

Also in her remarks, the Registrar / Chief Executive, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria ( TRCN), Dr. (Mrs) Ronke Soyombo, represented by one of the senior officials of the TRCN, Akure Office, Ondo State, Prince Adesuyi Abiodun, congratulated the matriculants and lauded them for undertaking the programme.

Soyombo assured the matriculating students of the determination of the TRCN under her leadership to continue to reposition the body to higher level in order to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

The TRCN boss, advised the matriculating students to take their studies seriously in order to achieve the purpose of coming to the institution, assuring that the certificate that would be given to them after the completion of their studies would provide them opportunities to advance in their academic pursuits.

The colourful event which held at the New Centre for Educational Technology building in the University, was attended by important dignitaries from within and outside of the University including its principal officers: Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ireti Folasade Alao; Registrar, Mrs. Olufisayo Fakorede represented by Mr. Oladele Balogun.

Others present were Chairman, Committee of Deans, AFUED, Prof. Oyenike Oyinloye, representative of the Registrar/ Chief Executive TRCN, Prince Adesuyi Abiodun as well as several other personalities from the academics and non- teaching staff from the University to mention but few.