Educators Set to Host 60,000-Teacher Conference for Guinness World Record

School owners, education leaders, and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector are ramping up efforts to mobilise 60,000 teachers for the forthcoming “Let There Be Teachers” Conference.

The initiative comes at a time when the sector continues to face persistent challenges such as underfunding, inadequate infrastructure, poor teacher motivation, and limited access to training. Despite their central role in national development, many teachers still contend with low wages, overcrowded classrooms, and few opportunities for professional advancement.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the General Secretary of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Mr. Luyi Armstrong, confirmed that a strategic meeting involving the Nigeria Union of Teachers and other stakeholders was held to finalise plans. He described the upcoming event as a landmark gathering, potentially setting a Guinness World Record as the largest teachers’ conference in Nigeria’s history. The conference is scheduled for September 20, 2025, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

“This is a precursor to the main 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 importance of collaboration in transforming Nigeria’s education system. “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 said.

Similarly, Dr. Hakeem Subair, co-founder of 1 Million Teachers (1MT), stressed the critical role educators 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,” he noted.

The strategy session also featured insights from leading education experts, including Ronke Posh Adeniyi, Rizma Butt, Rotimi Eyitayo, Rhoda Odigboh, and Prof. Akin Akinpelu, who shared perspectives on school innovation, leadership, and sustainability.

Organisers say the “Let There Be Teachers” Conference will focus on urgent issues affecting teachers, explore solutions to learning poverty, and promote the adoption of technology-driven teaching. It will also encourage cross-state partnerships and strengthen teacher training programmes aimed at improving learning outcomes for millions of Nigerian children.