Collins Whitworth, a student at Bayero University Kano, has made an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most faces painted in three minutes, an effort backed by noodle brand Indomie.
Whitworth painted 17 faces within two minutes and 40 seconds in his first attempt on Wednesday, surpassing the standing record of 12 faces set by Emilia Zakonnova of Slovakia on July 30. He repeated the feat twice more, including a third attempt where he painted 20 faces in two minutes and 55 seconds.
“I learned a lot from my first attempt in 2024. This time I came prepared, focused and determined. With Indomie backing me, I believe we can make history together,” Whitworth told Reuters after the event.
The Guinness World Records team is now reviewing evidence of his attempt before confirming if he will be officially recognised.
For Whitworth, face painting is more than performance art. “I want to put Kano and Nigeria on the world map, showing that we have talented people able to break arts records,” he said.
Students at the event voiced support. “I pray Collins wins because he performed excellently today,” said Sulaiman Haruna, a fellow student. Another witness, Jimoh Momoh, praised his “speed and skill,” while student Aisha said she was surprised by his performance.
Indomie said in a statement that its sponsorship reflects its commitment to youth creativity and entrepreneurship.
If validated, Whitworth’s achievement would mark another entry for Nigeria in the Guinness World Records, adding momentum to a growing trend of young Africans pushing creative boundaries on the global stage.