Professional ethics, effective classroom management, innovative teaching strategies, and child protection took centre stage at the 2026/2027 Teaching Practice Orientation Exercise organised by the Faculty of Education, University of Lagos (UNILAG), for its 300- and 400-level student teachers.
Held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, and organised by the Faculty’s Teaching Practice Committee, the orientation was designed to prepare student teachers for their forthcoming school placements.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the Chairperson of the Teaching Practice Committee, Dr S. C. Anyanwu, the Sub-Dean, Dr Adetoun Emiola, warmly welcomed the student teachers and described teaching practice as a vital course requirement for every student in the Faculty. She informed participants that each student teacher must submit a letter of undertaking signed by their parents, alongside a certificate of completion of the mandatory safeguarding and child protection training. She also urged them to act as worthy ambassadors of UNILAG throughout their field assignments.
The Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Joseph Awoyinfa , in his opening remarks, charged the student teachers to approach the exercise with utmost discipline and diligence. He warned that no form of indolence or breach of rules would be tolerated and reminded them to maintain professional conduct and appropriate language at all times.
Professor Awoyinfa also noted that students who successfully complete the exercise would be issued Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) certification.
The tone for the day firmly set, attention turned to the four major presentations aimed at equipping the student teachers with the knowledge and skills required for the practical demands of the field. The presentations covered:
- Expectations, Roles and Professional Ethics of a Student Teacher, presented by Professor Oluwatomi Alade, who reminded participants that they were stepping into classrooms as professionals and must therefore prepare thoroughly, including developing well-structured lesson notes.
- Lesson Planning, Delivery Techniques and Classroom Management Strategies , delivered by Dr Jacob Adeyanju, who offered practical insights into board-writing techniques, the use of real instructional objects, and strategies for managing large classes in public schools.
- Record Keeping and Feedback in the School System , presented by Dr Adeola Afonja, who detailed the assessment scoring breakdown, including 25 marks for the lesson plan covering behavioural objectives, content organisation, classroom activities, instructional resources, and evaluation, as well as 18 marks for classroom teaching.
- Challenges of Teaching Practice and Coping Strategies for Success , handled by Dr Lawrence Olusola Ige, who shared guidance on time management, consistent rule enforcement, resource improvisation, and building respectful relationships with learners.
The presentations were reinforced by goodwill messages from the Heads of all the Departments within the Faculty, who offered practical guidance, expectations, and encouragement.
Central to their addresses was an emphasis on professional conduct and personal presentation. Student teachers were reminded that their appearance creates a first impression and were urged to maintain neat, modest, and appropriate attire, while avoiding casual distractions such as earrings or sports shorts during non-practical sessions. They were also encouraged to remain mindful of classroom mannerisms, non-verbal habits, and repetitive vocal fillers.
Beyond deportment, the HoDs highlighted each student’s responsibility as an institutional ambassador, stressing that high ethical standards, strict punctuality, and healthy professional relationships with school staff and pupils would set UNILAG student teachers apart.
On instructional delivery, they called for practical innovation through the use of hands-on learning materials that bridge abstract concepts with real-world applications. They also urged the student teachers to remain teachable and open to constructive feedback from cooperating teachers.
Their remarks concluded on a note of mentorship, with the student teachers encouraged to counsel, inspire, and actively believe in the potential of their students beyond the syllabus.
With the formal presentations concluded, the event transitioned into an extensive interactive session, giving student teachers the opportunity to seek clarifications on field expectations, assessment guidelines, and administrative logistics. Questions ranged from posting preferences and managing difficult classroom dynamics to balancing school requirements with academic work and navigating school-level supervision.
A panel comprising facilitators, Heads of Department, and principal officers addressed the questions in turn. On placement logistics, the panel clarified the criteria guiding school allocations, reassuring participants that postings were structured to maximise exposure while considering accessibility and institutional partnerships.
On evaluation transparency, facilitators further explained the scoring rubric, including how to structure daily lesson notes and maintain organised registers ahead of unannounced supervisor visits. On classroom management, resource persons offered practical solutions for maintaining order in schools, emphasising patience, non-corporal discipline strategies, and creative teaching aids over rigid authority.
The panel reaffirmed the Faculty’s zero-tolerance policy for professional misconduct and outlined the appropriate channels for escalating any administrative challenges encountered at host schools.
Bringing the orientation to a close, the Coordinator of Teaching Practice, Dr Jola Okebiorun, delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the organising body. She commended the University Management, the Dean, resource facilitators, and members of the Teaching Practice Committee for their dedication towards making the orientation a success.
She expressed confidence in the student teachers’ ability to represent UNILAG with distinction throughout their field assignments.
Report: Lynda Onah
Photograph: Idara Angel Iwok (Volunteer)
