Professor Taoheed Adedoja’s, the trailblazing Director General of the Teachers Continuous Training Institute (TCTI), Biase, marked a significant milestone on September 9, 2024, as he completed three years of visionary leadership. Under his expert guidance, the Institute has attained remarkable achievements, cementing its position as a premier institution dedicated to transforming and empowering teachers through innovative retraining programs tailored to meet the evolving demands of the 21st century.
The Teachers Continuous Training Institute was founded by the Cross River State Government under the visionary leadership of former Governor, His Excellency, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade, in 2020. The Institute began full operations on September 9, 2021, with Prof. Taoheed Adedoja at the helm as its inaugural Director General and first management staff. Following its establishment, Prof. Adedoja was entrusted with the pivotal task of laying a solid foundation for the Institute’s seamless operation and sustainable growth. The Institute was formally commissioned on May 24, 2023, by Prof. Ben Ayade, marking a significant milestone in its journey.
Professor Taoheed Adedoja’s tireless efforts were in perfect alignment with the vision of former Governor, Professor Prof. Ben Ayade and the supportive Cross River State House of Assembly, led by then Speaker, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jones Williams, and then Leader of the 9th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, now Deputy Governor of Cross River State. Under the current administration of His Excellency, Governor Prince Bassey Otu, TCTI Biase has been significantly bolstered and equipped with cutting-edge innovations, paving the way for groundbreaking educational reforms in Cross River State. Prof. Adedoja’s vast experience and extensive network have been instrumental in elevating the Institute’s national profile and recognition, further solidifying its position as a beacon of excellence in teacher training and development.
A former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, past Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, Oyo State Chairman of Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Commissioner for Education in Oyo State, Provost of the Federal College of Education Special, Oyo, Dean of the Faculty of Education at Bayero University, Kano, and Consultant on Education to several bodies including the National Teachers Institute, World Bank and the British Council. Prof. Adedoja has spearheaded various initiatives that have placed TCTI Biase at the forefront of educational development in Nigeria. Notably, he established a Certiport Accredited Testing Center for digital literacy and emerging skills, making the Institute a key player in digital transformation within the educational ecosystem in the country. His leadership also saw the design and development of a robust curriculum aimed at improving teaching effectiveness in both primary and secondary schools, and the retraining of principals and vice principals across public and private secondary schools in Cross River State.
Prof. Taoheed Adedoja’s has successfully implemented a statewide Digital Literacy Assessment for select workforce segments in Cross River State, empowering both educators and public servants with vital digital skills. Moreover, his team has facilitated training workshops on the effective utilization of science laboratory equipment, targeting technologists and science teachers, to enhance their practical expertise.
Under Prof. Adedoja’s visionary leadership, TCTI has successfully conducted comprehensive retraining workshops for head teachers and deputy head teachers in public and private primary schools, spanning all three senatorial districts of Cross River State. His administration maintains a culture of discipline and accountability, with zero tolerance for absenteeism, lateness to work, or non-compliance with established rules and regulations. Moreover, Prof. Adedoja has championed inclusivity in education by raising awareness about educational services for individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal access to learning opportunities for all.
Prof. Taoheed Adedoja’s pioneering approach to education extends to innovative workshops on smart skills application in primary schools and a groundbreaking collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to empower youths with digital skills, specifically designed to combat cybercrime. Additionally, he has fostered strategic partnerships with other institutions, potentially securing additional funding support for the institute. In just three years, he has made a lasting impact on the landscape of newly established educational institutions in Nigeria, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s educational history.
His unwavering commitment to revolutionizing teaching methods and enhancing teacher retraining programs has established a benchmark for the future of education in Nigeria. His open-door policy and regular registrar meetings with staff members have cultivated a culture of transparency, collaboration and accountability. By emphasizing the importance of attendance and monitoring staff performance as a team, he has created a conducive environment for growth, understanding and collective success.
Prof. Adedoja consults with his management team, whose collective expertise, dedication and wealth of experience have been instrumental in shaping the TCTI’s growth.
Professor Adedoja’s outstanding achievements at TCTI Biase have earned widespread acclaim from key stakeholders, including the Governor of Cross River State, the immediate past Governor and founder of the Institute, the Deputy Governor, the Commissioner for Education – Dr. Stephen Odey, the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, education stakeholders, teachers, Civil Society Organizations, traditional institutions, and other interested parties. Distinctively, the Paramount Ruler of Biase Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Onun Apostle Nicholas Odum, has repeatedly praised Professor Adedoja for his inclusive leadership style, which has ensured the active participation of local communities in the Institute’s operations.
By: Amas Peter Maka
