Preparations are well underway for the "Let There Be Teachers Conference 2025," an event designed to underscore the significance of teachers in shaping the future of education in Nigeria. The conference is scheduled to take place on September 20 at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos.
Attempting a Guinness World Record
The central aim of the conference, according to the organizers, is to gather over 60,000 teachers from both public and private schools. This massive turnout is intended to break the existing Guinness World Record for the largest congregation of teachers in one place.
Oluwaseyi Anifowose, Director of Strategic Partnerships at 1 Million Teachers (1MT) and the convener of the event, disclosed the record attempt during a recent press conference in Ikeja, Lagos. He emphasized that while breaking the record is a significant goal, the event holds a deeper meaning. "This is not just about breaking records, it’s about breaking barriers," Anifowose stated. He added that the conference seeks to challenge societal perceptions, elevate the status of teachers, and inspire a new generation of educators capable of illuminating minds and driving transformation.
Celebrating and Empowering Educators
The conference, themed "Teachers’ Matter: Celebrating the Role of Teachers in Enhancing Quality Education," is designed as a platform to celebrate the dedication and pivotal contributions of teachers to society. It aims to provide attendees with an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to the profession.
The initiative has garnered significant support from key stakeholders in the education sector. The Lagos State Government has not only approved the event but is also actively supporting it, including authorizing the attendance of all public school teachers. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and various other associations and stakeholders in the sector are also involved in the preparations.
Beyond the record attempt and celebration, the conference is expected to be a substantive event featuring insightful discussions and calls for action. Keynote speeches are planned from prominent figures including the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, alongside other national and international education leaders. A significant outcome is expected to be a "call to action" communique advocating for teacher-led reforms in education policy.
Commitment to Quality Education
Speaking on the broader vision, Prof. Hakeem Subair, Chief Executive Officer of 1 Million Teachers (1MT), reiterated the organization's commitment to fostering a world equipped with a sufficient number of high-quality teachers to ensure all children have access to proper education.
Sola Adeola, Head of Growth at Edusko, described the upcoming conference as a timely celebration of the transformative power wielded by teachers in shaping lives and communities.
The event anticipates participation from a wide array of teacher groups and associations representing both public and private educational institutions across the country, making it a truly national assembly focused on the future of teaching in Nigeria.