The Acting Vice-Chancel-lor of the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Prof. Opuenebo Binya Owei says the importance of teachers in the development  of the society cannot be over-emphasised.
Prof Owei stated this while delivering  her  keynote address on the topic “The Place of the Classroom Teacher in National Development” at the 2019 Annual Teaching Practice Orientation for students of Faculty of Education of the institution held at the Amphi Theatre, recently.
The acting vice chancellor who was represented on the occasion by the institution’s director of sports, Dr Joseph Vipene opined  that it was in recognition of the all important role played by  teachers in  nation building that October 5th of every year is earmarked for the  celebration of teachers known  as “World Teacher’s Day.”
”… No education system can rise above the quality of its teachers… Think back when you were in school – from primary, secondary to date. Who was your favourite teacher? We all have at least one teacher who changed our lives, inspired us to what we are today.” she stated
The  acting vice-chancellor charged the students to teach with passion and communicate effectively with the students, parents and staff in the school, adding that they will be posted to schools across the state where they will   do their Teaching Practice.
Also speaking on the topic “The Lesson Plan: an Evaluation of Students’ Teaching Practice Experience” the former Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Mackson Ahiakwo averred that  Lesson Plan is very important for effective teaching, adding that a teacher in training who failed to plan before entering the class to teach, had already planned to fail.
In his own contribution on “Ethics in the Teaching Profession”, the Head of Department of Educational Foundation, Dr. Nabboth Nwafor advised the students to behave very well in the classroom, school environment and the community, adding that  as teachers in training, the school community expects so much from them, not only in teaching but also in their character and  conduct.
Our correspondent reports   that a total of 325 students are expected to participate in the three months  compulsory Teaching Practice Exercise which  commenced on the 9th of September and to terminate on the 1st of November, 2019.

Akujobi Amadi & Ngozie Nnadozie