Nigerian Educators Target Guinness World Record With 60,000-teacher Conference

School owners, education leaders, and stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector are preparing for what could become the largest gathering of teachers in the nation’s history, as plans intensify for the “Let There Be Teachers” Conference.

The event, scheduled for September 20, 2025, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, aims to bring together 60,000 teachers, with organisers seeking to set a Guinness World Record (GWR) for the largest teachers’ assembly.

LEADERSHIP reports that Nigeria’s education system has long struggled with systemic challenges such as underfunding, inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, poor remuneration, and limited training opportunities. The upcoming conference is being positioned as a turning point to address these issues and spotlight the teaching profession’s critical role in national development.

Speaking after a strategic meeting that brought together members of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and other key stakeholders, NAPPS General Secretary, Mr. Luyi Armstrong, described the initiative as “a landmark moment” for Nigerian educators.

“This is a precursor to the event coming up next Saturday. We are excited that, for the first time in our country’s history, teachers will gather on such a scale to discuss their challenges and celebrate their contributions. All teachers are encouraged to attend,” Armstrong said.

Conference convener and education advocate, Oluwaseyi Anifowose, highlighted the link between teacher empowerment and the broader growth of the sector.

“The growth of our schools is directly tied to the growth of our teachers. When we empower schools, we empower educators, and ultimately, we secure the future of education in Nigeria,” he stressed.

Co-founder of 1 Million Teachers (1MT), Dr. Hakeem Subair, underscored the central role teachers play in shaping society.

“It is time for society to pay more attention to teachers’ issues. Teachers play a remarkable role in shaping society and building harmony,” Subair said.

The strategy session also featured contributions from prominent education experts, including Ronke Posh Adeniyi, Rizma Butt, Rotimi Eyitayo, Rhoda Odigboh, and Prof. Akin Akinpelu, who shared strategies on innovation, leadership, and sustainability in schools.

Organisers said the “Let There Be Teachers” Conference will not only attempt a world record but also spotlight pressing issues such as learning poverty, teacher training, and technology-driven teaching. They add that the gathering will foster stronger partnerships across states and advance solutions aimed at improving learning outcomes for millions of Nigerian children.