Nigeria sets global teaching record as Education Minister unveils bold reforms

Nigeria’s education sector has taken centre stage on the global map as the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, received a Guinness World Record plaque for the largest gathering of teachers in the world and pledged sweeping reforms to elevate the teaching profession across the country.

The plaque was presented during a courtesy visit to the minister by the convener of the “Let There Be Teachers” Conference, Mr. Oluwaseyi Anifowose, who led a delegation to the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja on Friday. The visit also sought federal collaboration for an ambitious 2026 conference targeting 200,000 teachers nationwide.

In a passionate and wide-ranging address, Dr. Alausa congratulated Anifowose for “putting Nigeria in the global spotlight for something positive,” describing the record as a powerful counter-narrative to the negative perceptions often associated with the country.

“You have made Nigeria proud. When you devalue your country, you devalue yourself. We must begin to speak well of Nigeria. This is a country of opportunities, and we have a president committed to transforming every sector, especially education, “the minister said.

The Guinness World Record was set in Lagos in partnership with the Lagos State Government, where over 15,000 teachers gathered in a single conference ,the largest assembly of teachers ever recorded globally.

Anifowose described the feat as more than a numbers game.

“We wanted to create a global platform where teachers take centre stage in national conversations,” he said.

“It was not just about breaking a record. It was about restoring respect, honour, and recognition to Nigerian teachers, “he added.

Building on that momentum, the conference organisers have now unveiled plans for an expanded 2026 edition themed “From Record to Reform,” which aims to mobilise 200,000 teachers across the country , including 20,000 in Abuja and at least 5,000 in each of the 36 states.