By Gabriel Dike
A Nigerian group, the 1Million Teachers, is aiming to set a new Guinness World record with the largest gathering of educators at a teachers’ conference in Lagos under “Let There Be Teachers Conference 2025”.
The one million teachers’ initiative is intended to assemble 60,000 teachers, which would set a new World Guinness record.
The group said the initiative has the blessings of Lagos State Ministry of Education, National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) and some key stakeholders.
Addressing newsmen on the forthcoming teachers’ conference in Lagos scheduled for September 20, the Convener of the 1Million Teachers project, Mr. Oluwaseyi Anifowose, said the National Assembly Committee on Education, state government officials from Oyo and Ekiti States as well as the Education Districts in Lagos are expected at the one-day teachers’ conference.
He disclosed that the organisation is committed to empowering teachers globally and used the opportunity to unveil one of the transformative educational events not just in Nigeria, but also on the African continent and in the world.
According to him, “On September 20, 2025, something monumental will happen at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, over 60,000 teachers will gather in one place to celebrate their role, reaffirm their commitment, and make history.
“The Let There Be Teachers Conference 2025 is not just a conference; it is a movement. A bold, collective step to redefine the teaching profession restores its dignity, and reposition teachers as the cornerstone of quality education and national development.
“We are proud to announce that this event will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of teachers in one location, a powerful statement to the world that teachers truly matter.
“Because we believe that the future of our nation depends on the quality and commitment of those who stand in front of our classrooms. Because the truth is, you cannot fix learning outcomes without fixing the status of the teacher. We believe that the people who shape all other professions deserve to be celebrated, empowered, and equipped,” the conever added.
Anifowose, who also the Director of Strategic Partnerships of 1Million Teachers, confirmed the approval of the Lagos State Government and the attendance of all public-school teachers in the state. He also explained that the group is currently engaging NUT, APEN, NAPPS, AFED and other associations to mobilise educators from the private sector.
He revealed that the Minister of Education, other national and international education leaders would address the gathering of teachers.
Anifowose said the conference would involve two power-packed panel sessions, one featuring trailblazing teachers, and the other focused on education policy and leadership, 1MT Blackbelt graduation, awards ceremony, live exhibitions, a digital resource fair, a “call to action” communique for a teacher-led education policy reform as well as music, art and culture to entertain teachers and guests.
He used the occasion to call on stakeholders, government, private sector, NGOs, media and the international community to support the initiative.
In her remarks, the Head of Growth (private sector), Edukso, Sola Adeola Sogebra, described the conference as a monumental gathering poised to make history, “with over 60,000 educators expected to attend, we’re on the brink of setting a Guinness World Record for the largest education conference ever held. But beyond the numbers, this is a celebration, a celebration of the transformative power of teachers.
“As someone who has journeyed from the classroom to the boardroom, I can attest to the evolving role of educators in our society. Teaching is no longer confined to the four walls of a classroom; it’s about leadership, innovation, and shaping the future. This conference embodies that evolution.”
Adeola, one of the conference panelists, said the event would reignite passion, challenge the status quo, and envision a future where education is the cornerstone of national development. She revealed theme: “Teachers Matter: Celebrating the Role of Teachers in Enhancing Quality Education.”
Representatives of Tutor General/Permanent Secretary Districts 4, 1 and 3, Mr. Oyesina Abiodun, Mrs. Oloke Oluwatoyin and Mrs. Adewuyi Folashade, backed the conference and they stressed the need for teachers to be accorded special recognition via improved salary and welfare.