The Adunni Foundation has called for a renewed national commitment to basic education in Nigeria, emphasizing that the country's independence cannot be fully realized without ensuring every child has access to quality education. According to the foundation's founder, Motunrayo Alaka, education is a critical pathway for citizens to exercise their freedom and participate in national development. This call was made in a statement to mark Nigeria's 66th Independence Day.
Alaka described education as a means of emancipating the Nigerian child's mind, which is central to securing the promise of Nigeria's independence. She noted that while political independence gave Nigeria sovereignty, education provides citizens with the knowledge, confidence, skills, and opportunities required to exercise that freedom. The foundation's philosophy is encapsulated in the #Edupendent campaign, launched during the Basic Education Torchbearers Awards (BETA) in October 2025.
The #Edupendent campaign aims to build a broader public movement around the belief that education is fundamental to freedom and national development. This campaign will work with relevant stakeholders to promote greater access to basic education and support efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children. The Adunni Foundation's efforts focus on addressing the major challenges confronting basic education in Nigeria, including access to education, learning outcomes, infrastructure, teacher capacity, inequality, and school safety.
To recognize and inspire individuals and institutions advancing basic education, the Adunni Foundation established the Basic Education Torchbearers Awards (BETA). The 2026 edition of BETA is scheduled to hold in Lagos in October with the theme, ‘Carrying the Torch: Reimagining Basic Education for Nigeria’s Future’. BETA seeks to bring together the realities of basic education by honoring the work that has brought the country this far and recognizing those advancing basic education.
Alaka said the annual Independence Day celebration provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country they inherited, the nation they currently have, and the one they are building. This reflection must include the Nigerian child, she emphasized. The founder questioned what independence means to a child who cannot access quality education or is in school but not learning.
The Adunni Foundation acknowledges the efforts of educators, communities, institutions, organizations, and individuals working to expand opportunities for Nigerian children. Alaka expressed appreciation for their contributions to advancing basic education in the country. The foundation's efforts aim to inspire a stronger collective commitment to the future of Nigerian children.
The Adunni Foundation's call for renewed commitment to basic education aligns with its mission to ensure every Nigerian child has access to quality education. By addressing the challenges confronting basic education, the foundation aims to contribute to the realization of Nigeria's independence and the country's future development. The #Edupendent campaign and BETA awards are key initiatives in this effort.
Key points
- The Adunni Foundation calls for renewed national commitment to basic education.
- Education is critical for citizens to exercise their freedom and participate in national development.
- The #Edupendent campaign aims to promote greater access to basic education and support efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children.
