German-based Nigerian cloud engineer, Abel Yakubu, has completed a 60-hour marathon programming lesson in Abuja as part of efforts to break Guinness World Record for longest computer programming lesson.
Yakubu began the attempt at 11 am on Friday, November 21, and concluded at 11 pm on Sunday, November 23, at Minds and Emotions Centre in Graceland Garden, Wuse 2, Abuja. The global record stands at 48 hours and 15 minutes.
The event, streamed live on major social media platforms, was described as a landmark moment for Nigeria’s expanding technology ecosystem. Sixty students participated physically, while over 25 witnesses monitored the attempt.
Yakubu, who has over 10 years of experience in cloud engineering, said the marathon lesson focused on major cloud computing platforms, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. He said he was driven not just by a desire to break a world record but to inspire young Africans to embrace technology.
“I undertook this challenge to inspire young tech enthusiasts to develop profound tech skills, especially now AI adoption is rising globally,” he said. “It is important for young people to build hands-on skills.”
He said he spent two months preparing. “For three days, I have been speaking non-stop. I am inspired to help young people because they are the reason I am doing this,” he said. “The toughest period was going through the night. Training people on cloud computing all night is tough. My voice is almost gone.”
Yakubu urged young Nigerians to embrace technology, noting he has trained over 200 young people in one year. “This is the right time to learn tech skills,” he said.
“Parents should encourage their children to learn digital skills. You can never go wrong by learning a skill.”
He said he plans to continue his advocacy after the record bid. “I intend to continue preaching the gospel of tech to youngsters. Stakeholders also need to support young people in the tech space because it will contribute significantly to national development,” he said.
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Participants at the event praised the clarity and simplicity of Yakubu’s teaching style. Fawole Blessing, one of the trainees, described the experience as “relaxing and impactful.”
“When I heard about this, I felt it was an opportunity to stretch myself. Abel simplified everything. The atmosphere was perfect for learning,” she said.
Another participant, Adula Joseph Francis, said he had initially attended out of curiosity but ended up staying for the full three days.
“Abel is doing a great job. The way he explains and breaks things down is exceptional,” he said. “This challenge shows that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.”
Yakubu expressed gratitude to his partners at Minds and Emotions Centre and his support team, who helped coordinate the marathon training session.
Guinness World Records is expected to review evidence from the event before confirming whether the 60-hour session sets a new global record.
