Professor Alexander Osondu Akpodiete has celebrated teachers across the world, describing teaching as both an extraordinary privilege and a profound responsibility in shaping the next generation.
Akpodiete, who disclosed that he has spent more than 25 years in education, said his journey as an educator has provided him with opportunities to teach across different disciplines, institutions and continents while influencing students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds.
He made the remarks in a message marking World Teachers’ Day, where he reflected on his more than eight years of service as an Adjunct Professor at Mount St. Mary’s University, an institution he also attended as an MBA student.
According to him, his current academic responsibility at the university focuses on Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, areas he described as increasingly critical in a world confronted by rapidly evolving technological and security challenges.
Akpodiete said his academic journey has also covered disciplines including Business Law and Ethics, Intelligence and Security Studies, Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics and emerging technologies.
He noted that his teaching experience has extended to academic affiliations with five universities across four continents, describing the exposure as an opportunity not only to teach but also to learn from students with different cultures, experiences and perspectives.
The professor stressed that the essence of teaching goes beyond the delivery of academic content, arguing that educators have a broader responsibility to equip students with the intellectual and ethical capacity required to navigate an increasingly complex world.
“Teaching is about much more than delivering course content. It is about preparing the next generation to think critically, solve difficult problems, act ethically, and apply knowledge to a rapidly changing world,” he said.
Akpodiete said he was particularly encouraged by the continued recognition received by Mount St. Mary’s University for academic excellence, value, service to veterans and commitment to student success.
Reflecting on his relationship with the institution, he expressed pride in being both an alumnus and a member of its faculty, noting that the university occupies a special place in his academic and professional journey.
He congratulated the leadership, faculty, staff, students, alumni and the entire Mount community for their continued accomplishments, while acknowledging the contributions of educators whose influence, according to him, extends well beyond the classroom.
Akpodiete also used the occasion to celebrate teachers globally for their dedication to education and nation-building, stressing the important role educators play in preparing young people for the demands of the future.
He said his long experience in teaching had reinforced his conviction that education remains one of the most powerful tools for developing responsible individuals and strengthening societies.
The professor concluded by reaffirming his pride in his dual identity as an alumnus and professor of Mount St. Mary’s University.
“Proud alumnus. Proud professor. Proud to be part of the Mount,” he said, as he extended his greetings to educators around the world on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day.
