School of Eloquence to attempt Guinness World Record for longest speaking relay

By Maureen Aguta

The School of Eloquence, Nigeria’s foremost institution for public speaking and communication mastery, has secured official approval from Guinness World Records (GWR) (Ref: 250922121700lsm) to attempt a new world record for the Longest Speech Marathon (Team) under the title “20 Days of Eloquence — The World’s Longest Speaking Relay.”

The historic attempt, scheduled to begin on January 12, 2026, will feature a continuous 20-day, 480-hour marathon of speeches by hundreds of Nigerians from diverse backgrounds — including leaders, professionals, students, and citizens — each speaking for an average of twenty minutes. The 20-day duration symbolically mirrors the School’s 20th anniversary, marking two decades of advancing public speaking excellence since its founding in 2006.

Announcing the initiative, the School’s Founder and Dean, Ubong Essien, CSP, West Africa’s only Certified Speaking Professional, said the record attempt goes beyond endurance or performance.

“For 20 years, the School of Eloquence has taught Nigerians to speak with courage, confidence, and clarity,” Essien said. “Now, as we turn 20, we are giving the nation an opportunity to speak — continuously — for 20 days. This is not just a record attempt; it’s a national quest for eloquence, unity, and expression.”

The event, themed “Pass on the Mic,” will take place at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos