Campus News

GUINNESS WORLD RECORD:

Egbewole hails  Kazeem Sanusi’s feat

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has congratulated Mr. Sanusi Akanbi Kazeem, a 400-level student of the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Physical Sciences, for breaking the Guinness World Record for the Longest Mathematics Lesson.

Mr Sanusi achieved the historic feat after conducting a marathon Mathematics lesson that lasted 31 hours, 42 minutes, and 54 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 26 hours.

The event, which began last Saturday (April 12, 2025) and concluded the following day, was described as a remarkable display of intellectual endurance and passion for Mathematics.

Speaking when he received Mr Sanusi in his office on Tuesday (April 15, 2025), the Vice Chancellor praised his courage, perseverance, and focus, describing him as a symbol of youthful potential and academic excellence.

Prof. Egbewole noted that the University was proud to celebrate such an achievement and expressed hope that it would inspire other students to pursue meaningful goals that reflect positively on themselves and the institution.

The Vice Chancellor said the University would have celebrated Mr Sanusi even if he had not been able to beat the record, simply for the effort involved in attempting such a rigorous task. He said, “Even if you were not able to reach the 30 hours, the effort alone is enough for me, as the Chief Executive Officer of the University, to celebrate you. We want it to serve as a lesson and motivation for others that they can also achieve positive things”.

The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the commitment of the University to supporting students’ positive initiatives, adding that the success of the institution is fundamentally tied to the growth and achievements of its students. He said, “We exist as a University because our students are here. The moment the students are no longer present, there will be no teachers, no administrators. That is why I always emphasise the need to continue supporting our students’ positive endeavours.”

While also acknowledging the critical support system that helped Sanusi reach his goal, Prof. Egbewole commended the Ag. Dean of Student Affairs, the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Science, the Head of the Department of Mathematics, the student’s Level Adviser, and classmates for rallying behind him throughout the 31-hour session.

The Vice Chancellor observed that the close relationship between the student and his level adviser was instrumental to the success of the record attempt, which, he said, underscores the importance of mentorship and guidance in academic development.

He recalled watching Sanusi during the session when he had already crossed the 22-hour mark, saying, “When I saw him while the pitch was around 22 hours, I saw energy, but I also saw signs of weakness, and I was just praying that nothing would go wrong. But having reached 22 hours, I believed he had done it.”

The Professor of Jurisprudence and International Law urged institutions and private citizens in Nigeria to celebrate intellectual accomplishments, adding that educational achievements deserve greater recognition in society than the attention given to platforms like ‘Big Brother Naija’ where participants gain fame and huge financial reward.      

                He urged all students of the University, lecturers, and administrators to continue giving their best to uphold the unique legacy of excellence that the University of Ilorin is known for.

Meanwhile, the record-breaker, Mr. Sanusi Akanbi Kazeem, shared insights into his motivation and the experience, saying that the idea stemmed from a personal desire to contribute meaningfully to Mathematics education by making it more visible and celebrated.

Sanusi expressed deep gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for playing a pivotal role in the success of the event, adding that one of the most critical requirements for a Guinness World Record attempt is securing a suitable venue, which the Vice Chancellor personally ensured was made available.

Beyond the venue, he said the most powerful motivation came from the Vice Chancellor’s physical presence. In his word, “By the time you arrived, I was already exhausted. But seeing you there lifted my spirit, boosted my morale, and re-energised my delivery. I began teaching even more confidently and effectively after that moment”.

He also thanked the Dean of Physical Sciences, Prof. Abdullahi Baba Alafara; the Ag Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Akanmu; the Head of the Department of Mathematics, Prof. Idowu Amos Sesan; and his Level Adviser, Dr. Ayinla Ally Yeketi, all of whom were present at the venue throughout the marathon session. According to him, their presence was both symbolic and emotionally empowering.

Sanusi also appreciated Dr Adijat Folashade Shittu, alongside his Head of Department, for their financial contributions towards the success of the programme.

Speaking earlier, the Ag Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Alex Akanmu, thanked the Vice Chancellor for promptly directing the University Health Services to examine and take proper care of Mr. Sanusi during and after the rigorous exercise. He also appreciated the Vice Chancellor’s instruction that the student be allowed to rest and recuperate at the serene Unilorin Researchers Lodge, a gesture he described as thoughtful and timely.

Also in his comment, the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Baba Abdullahi Alafara, announced that in recognition of Sanusi’s remarkable achievement, the Faculty would, for the first time in the history of the University, confer an Award of Excellence on the Mathematics prodigy during the upcoming 3rd Faculty Lecture and Endowment Programme.

Prof. Alafara expressed gratitude to the University Administration for creating an enabling environment that made the feat possible. He praised the Vice Chancellor’s consistent commitment to student development and affirmed that the Faculty of Physical Sciences is keen on following his visionary steps.

Also speaking, the Head of the Department of Mathematics, Prof. Idowu Amos Sesan, lauded the Vice Chancellor’s responsive leadership, stating that despite the late arrival of their official request for support, the Vice Chancellor promptly attended to it and gave it his approval. He said the swift action led to the robust institutional backing the Department and the student received.

Prof. Sesan added that Mr. Sanusi’s record-breaking performance is already inspiring other students across the Department and Faculty to embark on new academic challenges that will bring pride not only to themselves but also to the University of Ilorin as a whole.

On his part, the Level Adviser for the 400-level Mathematics Department, Dr. Ayinla Ally Yeketi, described the personal presence of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, at the record-breaking session as a huge morale booster for the extraordinary task.

Dr. Yeketi revealed that the idea of attempting a world record was brought to him about two months ago. He said Sanusi initially considered organising the attempt during Ramadan, but he was advised against it due to the additional physical demands of fasting. However, his unwavering determination in the weeks that followed prompted the staff and Faculty to rally behind him.

Also speaking, Kazeem’s elder brother, Mr. Sanusi Issa, who represented the family, appreciated the Vice Chancellor, the academic staff, the students and the entire University community for the overwhelming support his brother received. He stated that the family was proud not only of the achievement but also of the University community for the encouragement that made the feat possible.