Over 60,000 educators set to gather in Lagos for landmark Teachers’ Conference

…Education minister, top policy leaders, global partners to attend

In what is set to become the largest single assembly of teachers in history, more than 60,000 educators from across Nigeria are expected to convene at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos on Saturday, 20 September, for this year’s National Teachers’ Conference, held in the lead-up to World Teachers’ Day.

Themed “Teachers Matter: Celebrating the Role of Teachers in Enhancing Quality Education,” the conference is spearheaded by Oluwaseyi Anifowose, a veteran educator and Director of Strategic Partnerships at 1 Million Teachers, a global NGO dedicated to equipping teachers with critical skills. The initiative aims to train one million Nigerian educators by 2030.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Anifowose described the forthcoming gathering as “not just a historic milestone, but a rallying point of international significance that seeks to strengthen the voice and value of the teaching profession in Nigeria and across Africa.”

“This conference is more than a matter of numbers. It is a national call to action. Teachers are the foundation of any thriving society, and if Nigeria is serious about sustainable development, then we must reimagine and reinvest in the educational workforce,” he stated.

The conference is expected to feature a distinguished line-up of speakers, including the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, as well as senior federal and state officials, school proprietors, education-focused NGOs, private sector representatives, and students from both public and private institutions.

Set against the backdrop of the historic TBS on Lagos Island, the event aims to drive constructive conversations and catalyse innovation in the education sector, through multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Hakeem Subair, the Canada-based Founder and CEO of 1 Million Teachers, reiterated the group’s commitment via a virtual address. He expressed confidence that the organisation would exceed its one-million-teacher training target within the decade, citing the strength of international partnerships and rising momentum within Nigeria.

Support for the initiative has also poured in from local education leaders. District heads from Lagos State, including Mrs Oluwatoyin Oloke, Mrs Folashade Adewuyi, Mr Abiodun Oyeshola, and Mrs Omofolu Osho, voiced full backing for the event, describing it as aligned with the state government’s vision for quality education.

“This initiative speaks directly to our mandate for excellence in education. We fully support any platform that elevates teachers and strengthens the future of learning in our state,” said Mrs Oloke.

From the private education sector, Mrs Sola Sogebra of Edusko Africa praised the focus on teacher development, describing the profession as “the mother of all professions.”

“No nation can rise above the quality of its educators. Restoring dignity and ambition to teaching is not optional, it is urgent,” she noted.

The event will also feature a prestigious awards segment recognising individual teachers and institutions that have shown exceptional commitment to educational excellence. Nominees will be drawn from submissions by state governments, schools, and teacher associations nationwide.