Lagos recently became the center of a historic educational initiative as Olaoluwa Segun David, a counselling psychologist and cognitive behavioral therapist, delivered a continuous 161-hour lecture on the theme “Psychology of Parenting,” aiming to set a Guinness World Record for the Longest Marathon Lecture.
The marathon, held from Sunday, 30th November to Sunday, 7th December 2025, took place at Phaze 4 Estate, Lagos Island, drawing parents, educators, faith leaders, caregivers, and online audiences. Topics ranged from child emotional development and parental mental health to discipline strategies rooted in growth rather than punishment.
Speaking on the motivation behind the feat, David emphasized,
“The record or certificate was and is still never the goal. I only used the Guinness World Records platform to make noise about the importance of parenting, because it affects every home and deserves serious attention.”
He added that the lecture sought to spark national conversations about family stability and child wellbeing.
The event adhered strictly to Guinness World Records guidelines, with continuous documentation, independent witnesses, and timekeeping throughout the seven consecutive days. While official confirmation from Guinness World Records is pending, the attempt itself has been completed successfully.
Beyond the record attempt, the lecture doubled as an educational platform, providing parents and caregivers practical insights into nurturing emotionally stable children. David noted that many societal challenges stem from gaps in parenting support, making structured guidance critical.
Looking ahead, David plans to make the initiative an annual program, featuring structured teaching, group therapy, and one-on-one counselling. By June 2026, he aims to establish a School of Parenting in collaboration with the American Institute for Applied Education, offering certification and ongoing training to ensure parenting education continues beyond a single event.
“Parenting is not a one-off event—it is a continuous process of growth, learning, and responsibility,” he said, underscoring the enduring purpose of the marathon lecture.