Nigeria’s School of Eloquence sets 480-hour speaking marathon new Guinness World Record
Maureen Aguta
Nigeria has taken a bold step onto the global stage of intellectual and communicative excellence, as the School of Eloquence successfully completed a historic 480-hour (20 days) non-stop public speaking relay and marathon, in what is widely regarded as a new Guinness World Record (GWR) benchmark, pending final confirmation.
Titled: “20 Days of Eloquence – Nigeria Speaks to the World,” the initiative represents the longest continuous public speaking relay ever undertaken, surpassing the existing global benchmark of 127 hours, 31 minutes, and 43 seconds, set in New Zealand in 2018.
The Final Moment Countdown
At exactly 3:35 PM on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Dean of the School of Eloquence, Mr. Ubong Essien, CSP, led the final countdown that sealed the 480-hour milestone:
“10… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1”……bringing the relay to a precise close, as the official stage timer and large display screen simultaneously confirmed 20 days (480 hours).
The hall erupted into chants, applause, and emotional celebration, marking the culmination of a relentless, disciplined, and historic national effort.
Immediately following the completion, a virtual session connected participants to the global stage, featuring: Ms. Lena Kuhlmann, Official Guinness World Records Adjudicator and Ms. Jaime Nolan, President/CEO, National Speakers Association (USA).
Speaking during the session, Lena Kuhlmann confirmed that the attempt has now entered the official verification phase, during which all submitted evidence will be thoroughly reviewed in accordance with Guinness World Records standards, with a formal announcement expected in the coming days.
She reiterated the standing global record and acknowledged the magnitude of the Nigerian attempt, which has now set a new performance threshold in the category.
In a powerful address, Jaime Nolan, President and CEO of the National Speakers Association, delivered international recognition of the achievement:
“This 480-hour speaking relay is a remarkable demonstration of discipline, excellence, and collective purpose. It expands what is possible in the speaking profession and places Nigeria firmly on the global map as a source of structured, powerful, and impactful voices.”
She further emphasized that the achievement represents a turning point for the global speaking profession, opens doors for greater collaboration across Africa and internationally, and signals the emergence of Nigeria as a serious contributor to global thought leadership.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Blue Economy, Mr. Emmanuel Oluwadamilola praised the initiative as a national milestone:
“What we have witnessed here goes beyond a record attempt. This is a structured national intervention in the way we think, speak, and engage as a people. The School of Eloquence has demonstrated leadership in shaping the future of communication in Nigeria.”
The closing ceremony featured key national stakeholders and institutional figures, including:
Special Adviser on Blue Economy to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Emmanuel Oluwadamilola; Lagos State Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Chritiana Salwang; Registrar, School of Eloquence, and Mrs Patience Essien.
Others were: Senior alumni of the School of Eloquence; Members of the Learning and Development Network International, including Mr. Victor Diali and Ms. Sandra Iheanacho, and NYSC participants who actively contributed to the 20-day relay.