UNILAG Teaching Practice Orientation – Teaching is one of the noblest professions in the world, and preparing for it requires more than just classroom lectures and textbooks. At the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the Faculty of Education understands this, which is why the institution places a strong emphasis on teaching practice orientation.
For the 2025/2026 academic session, UNILAG has officially released details for its annual Teaching Practice Orientation programme. The event is designed to prepare final-year Education students for their compulsory teaching practice, a core requirement that exposes them to real classroom experiences before they graduate.
According to the official announcement, the orientation will take place on Wednesday, 10th September 2025, at the Jelili Omotola Multipurpose Hall B, beginning at exactly 10:00 a.m. This year’s programme promises to be engaging, insightful, and deeply relevant to the realities of teaching in today’s society.
What the Orientation Is All About
Many students often ask, “Why do we need an orientation before teaching practice?” The answer is simple, the transition from being a university student to becoming a classroom teacher is not always smooth.
You may have mastered educational theories, but standing in front of dozens of students with different personalities, backgrounds, and learning paces is a completely different challenge. The Teaching Practice Orientation is designed to act as a bridge.
It introduces student-teachers to the expectations, challenges, and responsibilities they will face during their three-month exercise. The programme is not just a gathering of speeches, it is a carefully structured session where experts, experienced lecturers, and practicing teachers share valuable insights.
This year’s theme, “The Teaching Profession in the 21st Century: Between Theoretical Studies and Practical Realities,” highlights a pressing issue in education. While students learn the principles of teaching within lecture halls, the real world often demands creativity, adaptability, and resilience beyond what books can cover.
Who Will Participate?
The numbers this year are impressive. Over 2,170 students from the Faculty of Education are expected to take part in the orientation. These students, mostly in their 400 level (final year), will be officially launched into their 12-week teaching practice programme immediately after the event.
Each student will be posted to various schools across Lagos and neighboring areas. Their duties will include observing experienced teachers, managing classrooms, preparing lesson notes, and eventually teaching subjects on their own. It’s not just about fulfilling a university requirement, it’s about shaping their confidence and preparing them for life after graduation.
Importance Of This Orientation
The importance of this exercise cannot be overstated. Here are a few reasons why the orientation is such a big deal:
- Preparation for Reality: Classroom learning is heavily theory-based. Orientation gives student-teachers the opportunity to hear directly from professionals who have been in the field for years. This prepares them for what lies ahead.
- Confidence Building: Many students experience nervousness at the thought of standing before a class. Orientation provides strategies on classroom control, communication, and handling different learning needs.
- Exposure to Expectations: The orientation explains how the teaching practice will be graded, what supervisors will be looking out for, and how students can perform well in their assessments.
- Professional Networking: During the programme, student-teachers interact with colleagues, senior lecturers, and education experts. These connections often become valuable long after graduation.
The Bigger Picture
The Faculty of Education at UNILAG sees teaching practice not just as a box to be ticked, but as a transformative stage in teacher training. By organizing such orientations, the institution ensures that future teachers are not only academically prepared but also emotionally, psychologically, and professionally equipped.
This year’s edition also reflects how the university is embracing the realities of 21st-century education. With technology, diverse student needs, and changing teaching methodologies, today’s teachers need more than chalk and talk. They need innovation, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
The Journey Ahead for Participants
After the orientation, student-teachers will embark on their 12-week teaching practice. This journey will test their patience, creativity, and problem-solving skills. From handling a noisy classroom to preparing engaging lesson notes, every moment will add to their growth.
For many, it will be their first taste of responsibility in a professional setting. Mistakes will happen, but that is part of the learning process. Supervisors and mentors will provide guidance, and by the end of the programme, these student-teachers will walk away with real-world skills that no textbook could have given them.
Lessons Previous Participants Have Shared
Past students who have gone through this process often describe it as “the most challenging but rewarding part of their university journey.” Some of the common lessons they share include:
- Classroom management is an art: It’s not about shouting at students, but about earning their respect and attention.
- Preparation is everything: Lesson notes, teaching aids, and clear plans often make the difference between a smooth class and a chaotic one.
- Adaptability is key: No two classrooms are the same. What works for one group of students might not work for another.
- Patience pays off: Students learn at different speeds. A good teacher adjusts to meet everyone where they are.
These insights show why the orientation is crucial, it prepares student-teachers for such realities before they even step into schools.
Why UNILAG’s Approach Stands Out
Not all universities in Nigeria put as much effort into preparing their Education students for teaching practice as UNILAG does. The university’s insistence on hosting an annual orientation reflects its commitment to quality teacher education.
By choosing a strong theme each year and inviting seasoned professionals to guide students, the Faculty of Education ensures that its graduates leave with both competence and confidence. This effort not only benefits the students but also the schools and communities where they will eventually teach.
Conclusion
The Teaching Practice Orientation for UNILAG 2025/2026 is more than just an event on the calendar. It is a rite of passage for every final-year Education student. It marks the point where classroom learning is tested against real-world teaching.
As over 2,170 students prepare to begin their 12-week teaching practice, the orientation will set the tone, provide guidance, and boost their readiness. For the students, it is the start of a life-changing journey.
For the university, it is another step in fulfilling its mission of producing teachers who can lead, inspire, and transform society.
