As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence, The Adunni Foundation says the country cannot claim true freedom until every child has access to quality basic education.
Founder, Motunrayo Alaka, who launched the #Edupendent Campaign at the maiden Basic Education Torchbearers Awards (BETA) in 2025, argued that political sovereignty is incomplete without mental emancipation through education. “Education gives citizens the knowledge, confidence and skills to exercise freedom,” she said, stressing that “the emancipation of the mind of the Nigerian child is central to securing the promise of Nigeria’s freedom.”
Alaka questioned the meaning of independence to a child who is out of school, or in school but not learning, and asked whether Nigeria is giving every child a fair chance to fulfil potential regardless of background.
To drive this agenda, BETA was created to honour individuals, institutions and communities advancing basic education. After its 2025 debut themed ‘Honouring the Past: Celebrating Legacy in Basic Education,’ the awards return in October 2026 in Lagos with the theme ‘Carrying the Torch: Reimagining Basic Education for Nigeria’s Future.’
The #Edupendent Campaign will push for greater access, reduction in out-of-school numbers, and accountability for compulsory basic education, while celebrating efforts to tackle challenges around infrastructure, teachers, learning outcomes and school safety.
The Adunni Foundation, a Christian-inspired organisation grounded on Acts 10:38 and chaired by Dr Yele Okeremi, says its mission is to build a culture of goodwill through education, youth opportunity and economic access.
