As the Nigerian education sector faces a pivotal moment, school owners, educational leaders, and industry stakeholders are amplifying their efforts in preparation for the highly anticipated “Let There Be Teachers” Conference. Set to convene in Lagos on September 20, 2025, this event aspires to unite 60,000 teachers—potentially securing a place in the Guinness World Records for the largest gathering of educators in Nigerian history. The conference is positioned not just as a milestone for Nigeria, but as an inspiration for neighboring West African countries like Ghana, and education changemakers across the continent.
Nigeria’s education landscape has long contended with deeply rooted obstacles. Among these issues are chronic underfunding, outdated and insufficient infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and challenges around equitable teacher training. Despite the essential role teachers play in shaping future generations and national progress, many in the profession grapple with low salaries, minimal professional recognition, and limited access to career development. This upcoming conference seeks to challenge that narrative, refocus public attention, and catalyze much-needed change within the profession.
According to a statement released by Mr Luyi Armstrong, General Secretary of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), the recent strategic meeting brought together critical players like the Nigeria Union of Teachers and representatives from across the education spectrum. Their primary mission: to fine-tune logistical, strategic, and programming details that will ensure the conference delivers lasting impact. Organizers report that if expectations are met, the assembly will eclipse all previous educator-focused events on the continent.
Armstrong remarked at the strategy session, “This conference is a transformative opportunity for teachers nationwide. Never before have we come together at such scale, with the goal of openly discussing our challenges and celebrating the contribution educators make to society. Every teacher in Nigeria is encouraged to join; our collective voice is stronger together.”
Slated to take place at Tafawa Balewa Square, a location with historical resonance, organizers hope the event will symbolize a new era for Nigerian education. Across the country—and echoed in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and other nations—it’s widely acknowledged that the welfare and skills of teachers directly influence the quality of education received by millions of children. Yet, investment and recognition for teachers remain limited compared to national ambitions for progress.
Speaking with local press, Oluwaseyi Anifowose, the conference convener and veteran advocate for uplifting teachers, stressed the importance of collective action. “The growth of our schools is directly linked to the growth of our teachers. By empowering our educators, we empower not only individual schools, but safeguard the future of education in Nigeria.” Anifowose’s remarks echo sentiments shared by West African education reformers, who have called for regional collaboration to boost classroom quality and student outcomes.
Dr Hakeem Subair, co-founder of education charity 1 Million Teachers (1MT), emphasized teachers’ foundational role in society’s progress and social cohesion. According to Subair, “It’s high time society prioritizes the needs and well-being of teachers. Beyond shaping young minds, teachers build social harmony and national stability.” Such perspectives are increasingly common as both grassroots activists and institutional leaders highlight the urgent need to rejuvenate the teaching profession and create sustainable pathways for growth.
At the heart of the recent planning session, prominent voices in education—including Ronke Posh Adeniyi, Rizma Butt, Rotimi Eyitayo, Rhoda Odigboh, and Professor Akin Akinpelu—shared insights on innovative educational practices, effective school management, the NOWAHALAZONE initiative, and approaches to long-term sustainability. Their dialogue, which addressed both local and pan-African concerns, provided a blueprint for how the conference can move from words to action. According to these experts, combining technological advancements with traditional pedagogical knowledge is key to overcoming “learning poverty”—a term describing the widespread inability among young children to read and comprehend by age 10, as reported by UNESCO and the World Bank.
Event organizers revealed that the “Let There Be Teachers” Conference will shine a spotlight on the most pressing challenges in the teaching profession—including professional development, support for female educators, access to learning technologies, and psychological wellness. Sessions will focus not only on identifying barriers, but also on surfacing actionable solutions and piloting new approaches that can be modeled nationwide and regionally.
Crucially, the conference is expected to drive partnerships between state governments, non-governmental organizations, and private sector entities. By aligning diverse interests around strengthening teacher training and continuous professional development, planners aim to spark improvements that will ripple across the education system. According to a 2023 UNESCO report, only about 70% of teachers in Nigeria are professionally qualified—a statistic the conference seeks to address by making training and upskilling central to its agenda.
Sociologist and Lagos-based education policy analyst, Dr. Chinyere Okeke, noted in a recent interview that, “Nigeria’s competitiveness, both across Africa and globally, will be determined by our education outcomes. Events like these are important catalysts, but sustained progress will depend on political will, investment, and translating conference resolutions into classroom actions.”
Across the continent, there are lessons to be drawn from other countries’ experiences. In Ghana, for example, the 2022 “Transforming Teaching Summit” led to the formal adoption of continuous professional development for all public school teachers and increased funding for education technology. By connecting Nigerian efforts with those of neighboring nations, West African educators have the opportunity to build unified strategies and share scalable solutions.
In Nigeria, many teachers remain hopeful yet cautious about whether such an unprecedented gathering can lead to enduring positive changes. Some point to prior summits whose recommendations faced slow implementation or were undermined by bureaucratic delays. Still, the mood surrounding this upcoming event is notably optimistic, as it brings together stakeholders from public and private sectors, rural and urban settings, policy think tanks, unions, and grassroots teacher groups.
At the local level, teachers like Mrs. Adesua Olatunji—a primary school educator from Ogun State—shared their perspectives: “We are ready to participate and make our voices heard. Beyond the conference, we want to see improvements in our working conditions, mentoring programs, and access to modern teaching tools. Our commitment to our students is unwavering, but we need support to fulfill our potential.”
Public interest in the “Let There Be Teachers” Conference is steadily growing. Education ministries in several states are reportedly exploring ways to subsidize travel and accommodation for teachers, in order to maximize participation. Meanwhile, non-profit organizations and education-tech startups see the event as a launchpad for new collaboration and investment in teacher-centered innovation.
For the millions of children whose futures depend on inspired, well-supported teachers, the stakes are high. As Nigerian and West African educators prepare for this event, the global education community will be watching closely—hoping that the lessons and momentum generated in Lagos can drive forward a new era of excellence, equity, and opportunity in classrooms across Africa and beyond.
What are your thoughts on the future of the teaching profession in Nigeria and West Africa? What changes would you like to see, and how can communities drive support for local educators? Share your opinions in the comments and follow us for in-depth updates on this landmark conference and other education stories across Africa.
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