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The Adunni Foundation has called for a renewed national commitment to basic education, saying Nigeria’s independence cannot be fully realised when children are denied access to quality education.
The foundation made the call as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Day, under its #Edupendent Campaign, which promotes the belief that education is fundamental to freedom, national development and meaningful citizenship.
The campaign was launched in 2025 by the foundation’s founder, Motunrayo Alaka, during the maiden edition of the Basic Education Torchbearers Awards, BETA.
According to the foundation, while political independence gave Nigeria sovereignty as a nation, education equips citizens with the knowledge, skills, confidence and opportunities needed to exercise that freedom and participate meaningfully in society.
For Nigerian children, it said, independence should include the opportunity to access quality basic education, learn in a safe environment, develop their abilities and imagine a future beyond their present circumstances.
Motunrayo said, “The emancipation of the mind of the Nigerian child is central to securing the promise of Nigeria’s freedom.”
The foundation said the conviction informed the establishment of BETA, a national initiative created to recognise individuals, institutions and communities contributing to the advancement of basic education in Nigeria.
The 2026 edition of BETA will be held in Lagos in October under the theme, ‘Carrying the Torch: Reimagining Basic Education for Nigeria’s Future.’
Speaking on the significance of the theme, Motunrayo said every Independence Day should prompt Nigerians to reflect on the country they inherited, the country they currently have and the country they are building, adding that such reflection must include the Nigerian child.
“What does independence mean to a child who cannot access quality education? What does it mean to a child who is in school but is not learning? And are we giving every child, regardless of background or circumstance, a fair opportunity to fulfil their potential?” she asked.
The foundation identified access to education, poor learning outcomes, inadequate infrastructure, teacher capacity, inequality and school safety among the challenges confronting basic education in Nigeria.
It, however, noted that educators, communities, institutions, organisations and individuals were working to create better educational opportunities for children.
The foundation said BETA would provide an avenue to recognise such contributions while encouraging greater collective action towards improving the future of basic education.
Through the #Edupendent Campaign, the foundation said it would work with relevant stakeholders to promote access to basic education, support efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children and strengthen accountability for the provision of compulsory basic education for Nigerian children.
The foundation said the campaign was built on the conviction that educating children was not only a social responsibility but also an essential part of enabling them to enjoy the freedoms associated with independence.
The maiden BETA awards were held in October 2025 under the theme, ‘Honouring the Past: Celebrating Legacy in Basic Education.’ The 2026 edition is expected to build on the initiative by highlighting efforts to strengthen basic education and reimagining what the sector can offer future generations.
