Nigerian physicist bags International Record for longest mathematics lesson
Physicist Reken R. Maikama, from Taraba State, has been adjudged to have led the longest mathematics lesson ever recorded.
This recognition followed verification process of Maikama’s ACA-Tong attempt, with the International Book of Records (IBR) confirming his feat on Thursday.
According to the IBR website, Maikama conducted a 15-hour offline mathematics class on December 21, 2023, in Jalingo, Nigeria, covering 10 topics, thereby setting a new world record.
IBR wrote, “The World Record of “Longest Mathematic lesson’ was achieved by Reken Renos Maikama on 21st December 2023 from Jalingo (Taraba) Nigeria.
“He conducted a 15-hour offline math class in which he covered 10 topics of Mathematics and has set a new world record for International Book of Records.”
In December 2023, Maikama also pursued a Guinness Book of Records attempt, aiming to become the first to undertake the ACA-Tong in the category of the longest math lesson.
During this attempt, the 25-year-old conducted another 15-hour offline math class covering the same 10 topics of mathematics.
Upon confirming Maikama’s achievement, IBR notified him of his official record holder status and the impending delivery of his Record Holder Certificate.
Confirming his feat, IBR in a mail said: “We feel overjoyed that your application for Application ID: ‘IBR17274’ is successful and you are now the official record holder of the International Book of Records.
“Your Record Holder Certificate will soon be delivered to your postal address.
“At the International Book of Records, we take great care to evaluate every application we receive.
“Before we accept or reject a new proposal, we always carry out specific research, we can require the expertise of an external consultant.”
In response, Maikama reflected on the emotional and technical challenges encountered during his journey, emphasizing his determination with the motto, “Nothing must block our path.”
A comparison reveals that the previous record holder, Prof Suresh Babu, achieved this feat in 2018. Babu, an Indian born on May 31, 1961, organised a world record programme aimed at raising awareness about mathematics.
The event, held on September 14, 2018, at Municipal Town Hall, Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, involved the participation of about 500 students, teachers, parents, and villagers, who collectively covered 15 chapters in basic mathematics over the course of a 12-hour session.
