Commitment to teaching excellence, active scholarship, and collegial service took centre stage at an orientation programme organized by the Faculty of Education, University of Lagos (UNILAG), for newly employed academic staff.
Held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Faculty of Education Boardroom, the programme was designed to familiarize the new lecturers with the Faculty’s culture of excellence in teacher education, educational research, and community engagement.
Speaking at the event, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Simeon Oladipo congratulated the newly appointed academics on scaling the recruitment process and underscored the importance of embracing the values and responsibilities of the profession. He reaffirmed the Faculty’s mission to “produce knowledgeable, reflective and ethical educators who will positively shape Nigeria’s schools, educational policies and society.”
Professor Oladipo challenged the new lecturers to remain committed to excellence in teaching, engage in contemporary and impactful research, and contribute meaningfully to collegial and community service for personal, professional, and national development. He noted that the orientation was carefully designed to provide participants with insights into “administrative procedures, academic regulations, research support systems, mentorship opportunities, and student-related matters.”
According to him, “Society places high expectations on us as academics. This means delivering engaging, impactful instruction in the classroom, producing rigorous, relevant research that informs policy and practice, and translating our expertise into meaningful community programmes and partnerships that improve educational outcomes.”
The orientation featured presentations by key University officials and resource persons on various aspects of academic life and professional development including:
- Mrs. Aderonke Asiwaju, Director, Staff Training and Development Unit (STDU) whose presentation focused on Know Your University: Understanding the University of Lagos’ Identity, Governance, Academic Culture and Professional Expectations.
- Professor Olufemi Saibu, Director, Quality Assurance and SERVICOM, represented by Deputy Director Dr. Eno Ankarawak, delivered a presentation on Quality Service Delivery in UNILAG.
- Professor Olatokunbo Okiki, University Librarian, charged the new lecturers on publications and the use of the University Library.
- Professor Olufunlayo Bammeke, Director, Academic Planning Unit, spoke on Research, Promotions and Grant Writing.
Other themes covered included the Pedagogy of Teacher Education; roles and responsibilities of Examination Officers and Course Advisers; as well as issues relating to General Studies (GST), Teaching Practice (TP) and the Sandwich Programme in the Faculty of Education.
The orientation programme forms part of the Faculty’s commitment to supporting newly recruited academics and equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and institutional understanding required to contribute effectively to the University’s teaching, research, and service mandates.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Michael Joshua
