Nigerian teacher and education advocate, Mr Seyi Anifowose, has made history by officially entering the Guinness World Records for hosting the largest gathering of teachers ever recorded. The feat was accomplished during the “Let There Be Teachers Conference 2025” held on September 20 at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
In a statement on Friday, 1 Million Teachers confirmed the recognition, noting that the announcement was made via a Zoom call on Wednesday, September 23, by Rishi Nath, a representative of Guinness World Records.
Nath commended Anifowose and his team for spotlighting a cause that, in his words, “should be on the front burner of policy and dialogue nationally.”
The landmark event, powered by 1 Million Teachers, attracted an unprecedented number of educators from across Nigeria, with organisers projecting attendance of 60,000. The turnout underscored both the scale of mobilisation and the urgent call for greater recognition, welfare, and policy support for Nigerian teachers.
“This is more than a number. It is proof that teachers matter. It is a victory for education, and it is a victory for Nigeria,” said Anifowose.
He added that choosing Tafawa Balewa Square carried symbolic weight, noting, “It was the same ground where Nigeria declared independence in 1960, and its use for the conference marks another proud national moment—this time celebrating those who build nations in classrooms.”
While celebrating the milestone, Anifowose acknowledged the difficulties involved. “This is not just about breaking a record. It is about resilience. Teachers stood in the rain, braved the sun, and endured long verification lines but refused to back down just to achieve this record,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State for hosting the event and his home-state governor, Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, for their support, alongside teacher unions and education agencies at both state and federal levels.
Looking ahead, Anifowose stressed that the next stage would focus on policy advocacy. He disclosed plans to engage the National Assembly on reforms to improve Nigeria’s education system and enhance teachers’ welfare.
Nigeria’s education sector has long battled with underfunding, inadequate infrastructure, and low teacher morale. According to UNESCO, the country faces one of the world’s most severe teacher shortages, leaving many classrooms overcrowded and educators underpaid.
Stakeholders have consistently called for reforms to strengthen the sector, boost teacher training, and make the profession attractive to younger generations.
By securing this global recognition, Anifowose said he hopes to turn symbolic success into tangible change for teachers across Nigeria.
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