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Innovation Meets
Education

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Driving Excellence
in Education

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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION

CAPACITY BUILDING

DIRECTOR’S DESK

“How can I understand except somebody teaches me…”

The above Biblical passage gave me an insight that “teaching involves behaviours which can be identified and which teachers and prospective teachers can systematically acquire”- (Ikpe, 2005).

As we strive for excellence in the Institute, I am reminded of the vital role that teachers play in shaping the minds of future generations. At the Institute, we recognize that a professionally oriented teacher is tolerant, tactful, objective, optimistic, respectful in associations, refrains from malicious gossip, public criticism and distraction, and avoids jealousy and strife. 

As an educator, teaching is not just a profession, but a calling that requires dedication, passion and a commitment to lifelong learning. Also, we have the power to inspire, motivate and empower our students to reach their full potential. We must therefore strive to create learning environments with innovative methods such as Flipped Learning, Inclusive Learning, Blended Learning, Smart Classrooms and the use of Artificial Intelligence.

At our institute, we are dedicated to providing our students with modern teaching practices and innovative strategies necessary for effective and reflective practitioners. We believe that teaching is a profession that requires continuous professional development and we are committed to supporting our students throughout their academic journey. As we move forward, I encourage all our students, staff and stakeholders to recommit themselves to the noble profession of teaching. Let us work together by applying innovative ideas to create a brighter future for our students and the society at large.

Prof. Usen Godwin Ikpe

Director, Institute of Education and Professional Development.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

Why Choose Us?

A choice that makes the difference.

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Decades of Experience & Proven Excellence

Established in 1983, our Institute has a long-standing legacy of academic leadership and educational innovation, backed by a team of highly experienced educators and directors.
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Cutting-Edge, ICT-Driven Programmes

We combine traditional teaching with modern educational technologies to equip educators with relevant skills for today’s classrooms — aligning with both national policies
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Diverse, Specialized Programmes for Educators

From PGDE to Educational Technology and specialized diplomas for higher education, we offer a range of practical, research-informed programmes tailored to meet educators

Mission

To empower educators intellectually and professionally to sustain and improve educational practice in schools, colleges and other educational organizations in Nigeria in line with the national needs, aspirations and global standards.

Vision

To remain a Directorate concerned with academic excellence by empowering educators professionally to engineer educational practices in schools, colleges and other higher institutions in Nigeria in tandem with the national aspirations and global standards.

Philosophy of the Programmes in the Institute of Education and Professional Development

The philosophy of the Postgraduate Diploma in Education and other programmes in the Institute is anchored on the holistic development of professional educators who are equipped to serve as social engineers of change. These programmes are designed not merely to produce teachers, but to cultivate transformative leaders in education—individuals who are passionate, reflective, innovative, and deeply committed to lifelong learning and societal progress. Rooted in the belief that education is a powerful tool for national development, the curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, pedagogical expertise, inclusive practices, and strong research foundations. It fosters the intellectual, emotional, and ethical growth of learners, preparing them to navigate the complexities of modern classrooms and educational systems. Graduates of the programme are expected to take on roles as professional teachers, curriculum developers, education policy advocates, and researchers, actively contributing to the improvement of teaching and learning at all levels. 

Brief History of Institute of Education and Professional Development

When the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) commenced operations in September 1983, the erstwhile College of Education was transformed into a university. Faculties, Departments, and the Institute of Education were established, and academic programs were restructured to reflect the vision, mission, and philosophy of the new tertiary Institution. The Institute of Education was established as a semi-autonomous Unit in the Faculty of Education. It was charged with the responsibility of running a non-degree programme leading to the award of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE). On October 1, 1991, the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) was taken over by the then Federal Military Government of Nigeria. The name of the tertiary institution was changed to what is currently known and addressed as the University of Uyo. All the Academic Programmes of the defunct University were inherited by the new institution. Consequently, the Institute of Education continued with the responsibility of running the NCE programme for the students who were inherited from the erstwhile UNICROSS. In the 1993/94 academic session, the PGDE (Postgraduate Diploma in Education) programme was introduced and domiciled in the Institute of Education, with Late Professor Akpan J. A. Esen as the first Director. In the last decade, the Institute of Education has had the following as Directors or Acting Directors.

Prof. O. E. Achalu (1996 - 2000)
Prof. (Mrs.) Comfort M. Ekpo (2000 - 2006)
Dr. (Mrs.) Alice E. Udosen (2006 - 2009)
Prof. Bassey E. Udoukpong (2009 - 2012)
Dr. Ime E. Enah (2013 - 2016)
Prof. Antiabong O. Ekong (2016 - 2018)
Prof. P. I. Enang (2018 - Date)

The PGDE programme took off with students enrolment of 10 belonging to different special area methods.

The name "Institute of Education" subsisted as an academic unit under Faculty of Education till October 26th 2016 when the new name Institute of Education and Professional Development was approved by the Senate of the University in its 103rd meeting.

Objectives of the Programmes in the Institute of Education and Professional Development

The Institute aims at initiating graduates who are not professionally trained into the complex but scientifically guided activities of teaching.

At the end of the programmes, the graduates should have in-depth knowledge in education and the professional requirements. They should also have the competence to adequately teach at various levels of the educational system and function effectively in other relevant specialized areas and organizations. On the whole, the Institute gears its activities towards:

Developing professional competence and expertise of educators in service.

Producing educators who are knowledgeable in and committed to the implementation of Nigeria's national policy on education.

Producing educators who can propel social change through education; intellectually in attitudes, skills, values and world views.

Developing educators who can give Nigerian education a national identity while making it relevant in a global context.

Producing educators and professionals who are committed to reforming educational delivery through effective application and utilization of ICT in both national and global contexts.

Producing educators who would teach and provide leadership at different levels of education.

Conducting research studies to help improve on teaching and learning.

Enhancing career progression of employees in education and other industries.

Producing educators and professionals in compliance with education professional regulatory requirements.

Programmes

Needs of the teaching profession. Currently, the Institute offers regular PGDE programmes and has received approval from the University Senate to run the Special Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme for Higher Education Teachers (SPGDE) and the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Technology (PGDET).

The SPGDE for Higher Education teachers was approved during the 98th meeting of the University Senate held on 16th October 2015, to provide an avenue for teachers in higher education institutions who lack professional teaching qualifications to be well-equipped with professional teaching knowledge and skills.

Inspiring Excellence in Education

Our vision is to build a future where educators are empowered to lead, innovate, and elevate the quality of education across Nigeria. Through continuous professional development and alignment with global best practices, we drive meaningful change in schools, colleges, and educational institutions.

 

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