Lagos State University of Education is seeking partnership with education stakeholders to expose students to various teaching environments and opportunities.

The Acting Director, Directorate of Teaching Practice, LASUED, Dr Foluke Akinkuotu, made this known at the maiden edition of Teaching Practice Summit of the institution, on Tuesday.

Ms Akinkuotu said that the students would need to adapt to diverse classroom environments, manage time effectively, and receive adequate mentorship and support.

She said, “These challenges, if not addressed, can hinder their development and, ultimately, the quality of education they provide. Today, we are here to listen, learn and identify the barriers our student-teachers face and to explore innovative solutions that will enhance their teaching practice experience. There is a need to collaboratively develop effective solutions facing the realm of teaching practice in the institution.”

Ms Akinkuotu said that teaching practice was a cornerstone of teacher education.

According to her, teaching practice is where theory meets practice and aspiring educators gain the skills and confidence needed to inspire future generations.

“We recognise that this journey is not without obstacles. Let us move forward with the determination to foster a supportive and effective learning environment for all,” she said.

In her opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of LASUED, Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, said that the university management was determined to make it a world-class, research-intensive university of education.

Ms Lafiaji-Okuneye was represented by her Deputy (Academics), Prof. Moruf Dauodu.

She said that the university would continue to produce outstanding and globally-acceptable professionals in education and related disciplines.

She stated, “Two years ago, this university came into existence. In the next one week, our first set of teaching practice students would be sent out to practise. We want our education stakeholders in Lagos to give us their observations – what needs to be changed and what students need to know before they go for their teaching practice. We are using innovative and creative approaches to teach our students. I implore the students to put the theory taught in the lecture rooms into practice.”

Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Adeniran Kasali, said that the partnership would lead to production of quality teachers.

Mr Kasali said that students going for teaching practice should be prepared and have knowledge of what they would want to teach.

He said, “When you get to your stations, be an ambassador of this university and put in practice what you have been taught.’’

A lecturer at the Department of Special Education, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Prof. Aremu Fakolade, urged the students to dress professionally in order to be role models.

“You need to be well prepared to impact students. Be passionate about this teaching profession,” Mr Fakolade said.

(NAN)