Hassan Joshua Bature, a computer science lecturer at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), has set out to break the Guinness World Records (GWR) for longest lecture marathon by teaching for 150 hours. In an exclusive chat with Daily Trust Saturday, the computer guru, CEO of KAF & KAP, and the author of ‘Rise To A Higher Level’ and ‘Seven Golden Keys to Success’, speaks about how he plans to break the record, his motivation, ambition and others.
Why do you want to break the Guinness World Records (GWR) for longest lecturing time?
Firstly, I think Guinness World Records platform goes a way more than breaking a record as it is not a competition. It is first and foremost a platform to showcase the excellent stuff people around the world are doing.
For years, I’ve had the enthusiasm for education. So, becoming a lecturer was more of a work of art than just an after-thought. I’ve seen how greatly education has become a hobby or pastime in the order of things in our society.
Evidently, the way we’ve portrayed education has affected our drive for education. A good example is how many rewards are given to a socially excellent person, vis-a-vis a valedictorian in many schools. I want to portray education as a serious business. This is the reason I’m embarking on this great feat.
For how long did you plan to teach?
I plan to lecture for at least 150 hours.
How did you plan to do it?
While myself and my team awaits an official communique from GWR regarding the guidelines, most of the processes that would be involved in making this record achievable are still being modified. We’ve sketched a framework on how we intend to do it.
But just as a snippet, this would be like every other lecture, from my end and from the receiving students’ end. No pressure, we are fully ready and still preparing towards it.
When is the attempt going to take place?
I and my team are still waiting for the Guinness World Record team to process my application and send us the guideline officially.
However, in a mail they sent to me, they said it will commence on the 16th of October 2023.
Do you have the support of your university?
Since the day I declared my intention, every unit within and around campus has asked how they can be of help to me. My colleagues now call me ‘150 hours’. I received tangible and intangible support. I will continue to receive such support. I thank the school management, my colleagues and students.
What about your family, are they also supporting you?
I have the unflinching support of my family. This time, the family is broader than just the persons I share blood with. Without a doubt, my family is behind me.
What did you plan to achieve with the attempt?
I have a lot of years ahead of me and there’s still a lot to achieve. For me, continuing on this path and making education a yardstick for excellence in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large, is my major goal. So, as I mentioned earlier, it is not just about breaking the record, it is way much more than that.
Have you contacted the record owner telling him your plan to break his record?
I haven’t done that yet. I am taking it one step at a time. We will get to that stage.
For how long have you been lecturing in the university?
I have been lecturing in the university for a little over three years now. I told you lecturing is a hubby. And you know the joy you feel when you are doing something you love doing. I have a passion for lecturing and that is why I put in extra energy in doing it because I love it.
What is your academic background?
I have a B.Sc (Upper Division), M.Sc (Distinction) and PhD (in view) in Computer Science.
Was lecturing your life ambition while growing up?
Growing up, I have always longed to see education thrive in Nigeria. While there were many options staring me at my face to make this work, lecturing chose me. So, I think my ambition is more than just teaching, I want the best for our education sector.
What message do you have to people out there?
My message to everyone is sincere thanks for the voluntary roles they’ve played in encouraging my pursuit. God willing, this would be a success.
But some are saying the record doesn’t make any sense and that it is not worth the sleepless night and energy, what can you say about this?
This record is unique to me and while I haven’t heard this line anywhere, I understand that we all have different views of life. As far as I am concerned, this is unique and important.
You are also in the clothing business, how is that going?
I grew up with the Nigerian spirit. While I pursued excellence in academia, I was attaining a level of excellence doing business, too.
I make some of the best Kaftans and caps that depict confidence. My business still runs, even while I pursue excellence in academia.
How did you combine business and lecturing?
I have lived my life majoring in majors, and placing minors in their place. The ability to prioritise things has helped with harmoniously blending business and lecturing.
You are also a writer; tell us little about the books you authored?
I have authored two books so far: “Rise to a higher level” and “Seven Golden keys to Success”.
The first book was born out of my desire to see young people rise beyond average and make an impact in their various endeavours in life. While I discovered the need for people to be successful, I also discovered the need to come up with a success manual or steps that will enable them to succeed, which led to my second book ‘Rise to a higher level’.
