The Acting Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical), Lagos, Mr. Ephraim Dada, has admonished students of the institution to be diligent in their educational pursuits for the overall good of the
nation.
Dada gave the advice during the 2018/2019 matriculation ceremony of the institution warning that the new entrants should stay away from what he called unsavory acts that could mar their academic pursuits and the image of the
school.
In his address to the 794 matriculating students of the school, the Provost said, “I appeal to you to reciprocate the good gesture of the College by working diligently in order to contribute your quota to the development of our country. Your success will be measured by the result of your academic work. Attend lectures regularly and punctually.
“You should refrain from all acts which are contrary to rules and regulations of the College in order not to jeopardise your life ambition.”
According to the acting Provost, the College, in affiliation to the University of Benin, now runs Bachelors of Science and Arts in Education.
He said, “It is my pleasure to inform you that the College is affiliated with the University of Benin, Benin City, which empowers us to run courses leading to the award of Bachelors of Arts and Science
(Education). “
Dada, who blamed the deficit in turnout of teachers on low enrolment of students in Colleges of Education, urged state and federal governments to encourage learners to take a career in teaching.
He said, “We have just matriculated 794 (students). We have done enough to encourage students into this programme but then there are so many things. As it is, some departments that usually have high number have reduced. Now people prefer Higher National Diploma to NCE. If you do your NCE here, you will be well grounded.
“I also discovered that the government is not employing enough; there is this employment deficit. Many students graduate without jobs. The country is not making good use of the human resources available. It is not like the students are not good in the profession but opportunities are not given because our students perform well outside the
country.”
“Government should employ more teachers; we have many people with first class grade that are willing to teach. In our college, we have vacancies but we can’t employ on our own.
“According to NUT, every state has a deficit of 10, 000 teachers each. Many parents do not want their children to go into education because of the state of teachers. There is nothing wrong with being a teacher; it is when there is no other option that they come to education.”
The President, Student Union Government of the institution, Comrade Olajide Abdul-hameed, advised the student to make the right decisions during their stay as students, saying, “Every day you spend in this institution is worthwhile. Your decisions and choices are right
steps.”
