NTI Matriculates Fresh NCE, Bachelor Degree Students, Charges Them On Excellence, Integrity

The National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kubwa Study Centre, Abuja, on Saturday formally admitted a new batch of students into its Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor Degree Programme (BDP), urging them to embrace academic excellence, integrity and professionalism as they begin their journey towards becoming teachers.

The colourful 2026 matriculation ceremony, held at Government Secondary School, Kubwa, brought together NTI management, academic staff, facilitators, parents, guardians, alumni and invited guests to celebrate the admission of the fresh students.

In his keynote address, the Centre Manager of the NTI Kubwa Study Centre, Malam Yusuf Barde, described the matriculation as a historic milestone in the lives of the students, noting that they had become members of one of Nigeria’s foremost institutions for teacher education through Open and Distance Learning.

He congratulated the students on their successful admission and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed throughout their academic pursuit.

“Your admission is a recognition of your determination to improve yourselves academically and professionally. You have made an excellent decision that will positively shape your future and enhance your contribution to the development of education in Nigeria,” he said.

Barde reminded the students that matriculation was not merely a ceremonial event but a formal acceptance into the institution with accompanying rights, responsibilities and obligations.

He charged them to uphold the rules and ethical standards of the Institute, pursue their studies honestly, respect constituted authorities and protect the good name of NTI wherever they go.

Highlighting the importance of quality education, the Centre Manager described education as the greatest investment anyone could make, stressing that it empowers individuals, transforms families, strengthens communities and drives national development.

He noted that teachers are not only transmitters of knowledge but also mentors, counsellors, role models and nation builders, urging the students to develop themselves academically, morally, socially and professionally.

Barde further encouraged the students to cultivate good character alongside academic excellence, stressing that integrity, humility, honesty, discipline, responsibility and tolerance remain indispensable qualities for future educators.

He warned against examination malpractice, plagiarism, cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, violence and other forms of misconduct, reminding the students that while certificates may open doors, character determines how long those opportunities last.

The centre manager also urged the fresh students to make effective use of technology for learning, develop digital skills relevant to the modern workplace and maximise the opportunities provided by NTI’s Open and Distance Learning platform.

He advised them to attend facilitation sessions regularly, submit tutor-marked assignments promptly, prepare adequately for examinations, seek academic guidance whenever necessary and make consistent use of the NTI student portal for information and updates.

Speaking on time management, he encouraged the students to develop personal study timetables, avoid procrastination, revise their notes regularly and balance academic work with family and personal responsibilities.

He also cautioned them against negative peer influence, urging them to associate with friends who inspire academic excellence and positive values.

Addressing parents and guardians, Barde appreciated them for investing in the education of their children and wards, describing their encouragement, prayers, financial assistance and moral guidance as essential to the students’ success.

He appealed to them to continue supporting the students until the successful completion of their programmes.

The ceremony also featured a welcome address from the National Teachers’ Institute, Kaduna, signed by the Director of Field Operations, Students Services and Quality Assurance Department, Mrs. Angela Ekwutosi Ozibo, who welcomed the newly admitted students into the NTI family.

She reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to providing quality teacher education and training through programmes designed to equip teachers and educators with the knowledge, skills and competencies required for excellence in the teaching profession.

According to her, NTI remains committed to supporting students through academic guidance, counselling services and other resources necessary for their academic and personal development.

The director and chief executive of the Institute, Professor Sadiya Sani Daura, who was represented by the chairman of the occasion, Dr. Nnamucha Peter Aririahu, reminded the students of the core values of excellence, integrity and professionalism.

She urged them to develop a strong work ethic, embrace a growth mindset and take full advantage of the academic support, counselling and career guidance services provided by the Institute.

Daura also encouraged the new students to remain innovative, proactive and dedicated to lifelong learning, assuring them that NTI would continue to provide an enabling environment for their academic success.

The event concluded with a formal matriculation oath, appreciation to the Institute’s management, staff and facilitators, and a charge to the students to dream big, remain disciplined and strive for excellence throughout their years at the Institute.

The NTI, established by the Federal Government in 1976 to address the shortage of qualified teachers in Nigeria, has produced hundreds of thousands of teachers and education professionals through its nationwide Open and Distance Learning system and continues to play a significant role in the country’s educational development.