Nigerian school sets Guinness World Record for longest speech marathon

The School of Eloquence, a Nigerian academy dedicated to public speaking, secured the Guinness World Record for the longest group speech marathon after a 20‑day event held from 1 April to 21 April 2026.

Senior Adjudicator of Guinness World Records, Lena Khulman, announced yesterday that the school earned the title by accumulating 480 hours of continuous speaking, surpassing the former New Zealand record of 127 hours, 31 minutes and 4.23 seconds.

Khulman characterized the effort as a demanding test of endurance, meticulous organization, consistency, teamwork and commitment over the 20‑day period, establishing the school as the new record holder.

She noted: “Before this attempt, the existing record stood at 127 hours, 31 minutes, and 4.23 seconds, achieved by Toastmasters District 112 in New Zealand in April 2018.

“After a thorough review of all submitted evidence—including video footage, livestream archives, operational logs, witness documentation and continuity verification material—I can now officially confirm that the School of Eloquence reached a total of 480 hours.”

Speaking shortly after the official declaration, the Dean of the School of Eloquence, Mr Ubong Essien, said the attempt was motivated by the institution’s 20th anniversary and described the recognition as a source of pride for both the school and the nation.

“It is a moment of pride not just for me personally, but for Nigeria. Nigeria is in the news for a historic and positive reason, showing the world that we have substance, intellect, a voice, and eloquence,” he said.