The Vice-Chancellor, Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, Prof. Samuel Oladipo, MNPA, CMCPN, MCAN, FIELPN, has charged students of the institution embarking on the 2026/2027 Teaching Practice exercise to uphold professionalism, integrity, selflessness and excellence, while projecting the image of the University positively in their respective host schools.
Prof. Oladipo gave the charge during the Teaching Practice Orientation and Departure Programme organised by the University’s Teaching Practice Board to prepare students for the six-month exercise, urging them to see the assignment not merely as an academic requirement but as an opportunity to demonstrate their professional competence and make a meaningful impact on young minds.
Addressing the students and members of the Teaching Practice Board, the Vice-Chancellor described the student-teachers as ambassadors of themselves, the University and the schools to which they would be posted, stressing that their conduct would contribute significantly to how the University and its standards were perceived.
“Wherever you are posted, show yourself as responsible students that you are. Let them know that we value integrity and selflessness, which remains our motto,” he added.
Prof. Oladipo urged the students to be punctual, diligent and exemplary in the discharge of their teaching responsibilities, while demonstrating good character, respect and professionalism in their interactions with school authorities, teachers and learners.
He noted that the students had been equipped with subject-matter knowledge, contemporary pedagogical skills and sound moral values, while challenging them to translate the knowledge acquired in the University into effective classroom practice.
The Vice-Chancellor also encouraged the student-teachers to pay close attention to their appearance, conduct and professional relationships, stressing that they should uphold the high standard of teaching and professional competence associated with the University throughout the exercise.
He assured the students of the support of the University Management during the exercise, advising them to promptly communicate any challenges that might require guidance, administrative support or intervention.
Prof. Oladipo commended the students for the discipline, maturity and decorum displayed during the orientation programme, describing their conduct as a reflection of the standards of excellence upheld by the University.
He also acknowledged the Chairman of the Teaching Practice Board, Prof. Kehinde Pedro Amore, and members of the Board for their dedication and commitment to preparing the students for the exercise, assuring them of Management’s continued support for the Board’s activities.
Earlier, Prof. Amore highlighted the significance of Teaching Practice to the professional development of student-teachers, describing it as a critical stage in their preparation for the teaching profession.
He explained that the exercise would provide the students with an opportunity to experience the classroom from the teacher’s perspective, noting that it would involve a reversal of roles as the students assume teaching responsibilities while their lecturers assess their performance.
The Chairman urged the students to approach the exercise with seriousness and commitment, reminding them that their appearance, attitude, lesson delivery and general conduct would form part of the assessment process.
“Don’t forget, you all are ambassadors of the University,” he reminded them.
The orientation programme featured lectures and practical sessions designed to equip the prospective student-teachers with essential knowledge and skills for effective performance during the exercise.
Prof. Dele Sogbesan delivered a session on “Instructional Materials: Design and Usage”, while Prof. Rachel Akerele spoke on the “Importance of Teaching Practice, Ethics and Conduct”. Dr O. B. Akinsipo also took the students through “Lesson Note Preparation and Other School Records”.
The sessions exposed the students to practical approaches to lesson delivery, effective use of instructional materials, professional ethics, classroom responsibilities and the preparation and management of essential school records.
The programme was attended by Deans of Colleges, members of the Teaching Practice Board, students and other members of staff.