Education
By Anthony Isibor
THE School of Eloquence, Nigeria, has received its official Guinness World Records certificate, confirming its recognition as the holder of the world’s longest speech marathon by a team after completing a 480-hour speaking relay in Lagos earlier this year.
The certificate, issued by Guinness World Records, confirms that the institution achieved the feat from April 1 to 21, 2026, under its “20 Days of Eloquence – Nigeria Speaks to the World” initiative.
It states that “the longest speech marathon by a team is 480 hours and was achieved by School of Eloquence, Nigeria, in Lagos, Nigeria, from 1 to 21 April 2026.”
The certificate was formally unveiled at a special reception held at the School of Eloquence, where the institution also honoured the speakers, coordinators, volunteers and other contributors whose participation made the achievement possible.
Announcing the development, the Dean of the School of Eloquence, Ubong Essien, said the arrival of the certificate marked the official conclusion of a journey that began with a vision to showcase Nigeria’s public speaking talent on the global stage.
“A few months ago, I shared with you our vision of 20 Days of Eloquence – Nigeria Speaks to the World. Today, with profound gratitude to God, I am delighted to let you know that this remarkable journey has now reached its official conclusion,” Essien said.
He noted that Guinness World Records had officially adjudicated and confirmed the School of Eloquence as the holder of the world record, following the successful completion of the 20-day marathon.
The reception celebrating the recognition featured the official Guinness World Records certificate displayed in a commemorative frame bearing the “Record Holder” insignia, while guests witnessed the formal unveiling of the certificate and the recognition of those who contributed to the project.
Essien described the achievement as a collective accomplishment rather than one belonging solely to the institution.
“This accomplishment belongs not only to our institution but also to every person who encouraged us, prayed with us, shared our story and believed in the vision,” he said.
The record-setting exercise, which ran continuously for 480 hours, was designed to promote excellence in public speaking and effective communication while demonstrating Nigeria’s capacity to execute projects that meet global standards.
Founded in 2006, the School of Eloquence is a public speaking and leadership development institution with the motto “Loquere Cum Potestate” (Speak with Authority) and the slogan “Teaching the World to Speak.”
Essien, who is described as West Africa’s only Certified Speaking Professional, CSP, said the Guinness World Records recognition was an important milestone but not the institution’s final destination.
“The work continues,” he said.
The official recognition adds the School of Eloquence to the growing list of Nigerian organisations and individuals whose achievements have been certified by Guinness World Records, while underscoring the country’s increasing visibility in global record-setting endeavours.
A.I
July 14, 2026
Tags: Guinness World Records School of Eloquence Ubong Essien