Nsikak Akpan, the esteemed Provost of Foreign Links Campus in Moro, Osun State, has announced an ambitious plan to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon lecture. This is set to commence on September 23, 2024, and will span an unprecedented 150 hours.
In a statement released on Sunday, Akpan disclosed that he has received official approval from Guinness World Records to undertake this extraordinary challenge. His goal is to surpass the current record of 139 hours held by Arvind Mishra since March 16, 2014.
Akpan, a distinguished Public Health expert, emphasised the significance of this challenge within the academic realm.
“Most recent attempts at Guinness World Records have not ventured into the domain of academics,” he remarked. “I am driven by a deep passion for teaching and a commitment to the academic community. This marathon lecture is not just about setting a record; it is about elevating the importance of education and academia.”
The marathon lecture, themed ‘Relationship between Environment and Health,’ will take place on the college campus and will follow a standard classroom lecture format.
Akpan explained, “The lecture will involve active student-teacher interactions. While the students will participate throughout the 150 hours, they will rotate in shifts, with each set of students attending for a maximum of four hours, as stipulated by Guinness World Records.”
Akpan’s confidence in surpassing the existing record is unwavering. “Possibilities only exist in the minds of those who never succeed,” he declared. “I have an unyielding passion for teaching, and that is the driving force behind my determination to achieve this feat.”
The logistical intricacies of this marathon lecture are formidable. Guinness World Records permits a 5-minute break for every hour of lecturing. He acknowledges the enormity of the task but reassures that he is not alone in this endeavor. “I have a dedicated team working tirelessly to ensure the success of this challenge. However, we also seek support and assistance from the public to accommodate the welfare needs of the students involved.”
He envisions this initiative as a catalyst for broader societal awareness. “This endeavor is not merely about earning a title or immediate personal gain. It is about fostering a deeper understanding of the critical relationship between our environment and health. At the conclusion of this marathon lecture, I hope to inspire a heightened consciousness among people regarding their environmental surroundings.”
Image source: Tribune
