In September, Lagos will play host to what many are already calling the biggest teachers’ gathering in Africa. Educators across Nigeria are mobilising for a historic conference that aims to bring together 60,000 teachers under one roof, not only to set a Guinness World Record but also to celebrate the teaching profession and highlight the challenges facing schools today.
The event, tagged the “Let There Be Teachers Conference”, is scheduled to take place on September 20, 2025, at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos. The initiative is jointly spearheaded by the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and other education stakeholders who see this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reframe the national conversation about teachers.
According to organisers, the conference will serve both symbolic and practical purposes. On one hand, it seeks to put Nigeria on the global map through a Guinness World Record attempt. On the other, it will provide a platform to brainstorm lasting solutions for teacher welfare, training, and education reforms.
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A Collective Push for a United Front
Education in Nigeria has long been described as being “in crisis,” with overcrowded classrooms, poor infrastructure, and demoralised teachers. For many observers, the planned conference is a bold statement that educators are tired of being sidelined and are now determined to take ownership of their future.
At a recent strategy meeting, General Secretary of NAPPS, Luyi Armstrong, described the initiative as a turning point. “For the first time in our nation’s history, teachers will come together on this scale, not just to celebrate themselves but to chart a way forward for our education system,” he said. Armstrong stressed that the conference is not restricted to private school teachers but is open to every teacher, public or private, across the 36 states.
One of the conveners, Oluwaseyi Anifowose, highlighted that improving schools starts with empowering teachers. “If teachers are motivated, equipped, and given the dignity they deserve, everything else in education will follow naturally — from student performance to national development,” he explained.
Dr. Hakeem Subair, co-founder of the 1 Million Teachers (1MT) initiative, added that teachers are the foundation of every society. “When we talk about building nations, we should remember that the teacher is the builder. This gathering is not just about numbers; it is about recognising the value of every single teacher who shows up every day in the classroom.”
Spotlight on Welfare, Training, and Innovation
The organisers say the conference will cover a wide range of themes, from teacher welfare to school leadership and education technology. The welfare conversation is expected to dominate, as many teachers across Nigeria struggle with poor salaries, lack of recognition, and limited opportunities for career growth.
Education analyst Ronke Posh Adeniyi pointed out that no country can achieve quality education without prioritising teachers’ well-being. “A demotivated teacher cannot inspire learners. If we want to reduce learning poverty, we must first reduce teacher poverty,” she argued.
Beyond welfare, the conference will also shine a light on training and professional development. Stakeholders believe that many teacher training programmes are outdated and fail to prepare teachers for modern classrooms. There will be discussions on curriculum reform, digital tools, and innovative teaching methods that can help bridge the gap between students in urban areas and those in rural communities.
Leaders such as Prof. Akin Akinpelu, Rhoda Odigboh, Rizma Butt, and Rotimi Eyitayo are expected to bring expertise on policy, sustainability, and global best practices. The organisers are confident that these diverse voices will make the conference more than a ceremonial event, transforming it into a hub of practical solutions.
More Than a Record Attempt
While the Guinness World Record goal gives the event global visibility, the organisers insist that the true essence of the gathering lies deeper. They hope the sight of 60,000 teachers converging in one space will send a powerful message to government, policymakers, and the public: teaching matters, and teachers deserve better.
In a country where teachers are often underpaid, overlooked, and sometimes ridiculed, the symbolic value of this gathering could be immense. It could spark a cultural shift towards respecting and valuing teachers as nation-builders.
The conference also promises to be a networking hub, creating partnerships across schools, states, and international bodies. Organisers are optimistic that it will not just be a one-day show but the beginning of a sustained movement to transform Nigerian education.
For many teachers, the chance to be part of a world record may be exciting. But beyond the Guinness plaque, what they truly want is recognition, professional growth, and better conditions to inspire the millions of children who look up to them daily.
As the countdown begins to September 20th, expectations are rising. If the organisers succeed, Lagos will not just host a record-breaking event; it will also stand as the birthplace of a new era of advocacy and unity for Nigerian teachers.
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