As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Day, The Adunni Foundation is calling for a renewed national commitment to basic education, anchored on a simple conviction: Education is Independence. The philosophy was articulated by the Foundation’s Founder, Motunrayo Alaka, at the launch of the #Edupendent Campaign during the maiden edition of the Basic Education Torchbearers Awards (BETA) in October 2025.
Political independence gave Nigeria sovereignty as a nation. Education gives its citizens the knowledge, confidence, skills and opportunities to exercise that freedom and participate meaningfully as citizens. For the Nigerian child, therefore, independence must include the opportunity to access quality basic education, learn, be safe, develop their potential and imagine a future of possibility. According to Alaka, “The emancipation of the mind of the Nigerian child is central to securing the promise of Nigeria’s freedom.”
This conviction gave birth to BETA, a national initiative of The Adunni Foundation established to recognise individuals, institutions and communities whose contributions have advanced basic education in Nigeria and inspire renewed commitment to the children who will carry the country into the future.
Following its maiden edition in 2025, BETA returns in October 2026 under the theme: ‘Carrying the Torch: Reimagining Basic Education for Nigeria’s Future.’ “Every Independence Day invites us to reflect on the Nigeria we inherited, the Nigeria we have and the Nigeria we are building,” said Alaka. “For us, that 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?”
The Foundation recognises the significant challenges facing basic education, including access, learning outcomes, infrastructure, teacher capacity, inequality and school safety. It also recognises the educators, communities, institutions, organisations and individuals working every day to create better opportunities for children. BETA seeks to bring these realities together, honour the work that brought us this far, recognise those advancing it today and inspire a stronger collective commitment to the future.
The #Edupendent Campaign, launched in 2025, seeks to build a broader public movement around the conviction that education is fundamental to freedom and national development. The campaign will work with relevant stakeholders to promote greater 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 every Nigerian child. The Basic Education Torchbearers Awards (BETA) 2026 will take place in October 2026 in Lagos.
About The Adunni Foundation
Founded on Acts 10:38, The Adunni Foundation, strongly believes that Goodwill is the Capital. It is a Christian-inspired social impact organisation advancing sustainable development through interventions in education, youth opportunity and economic access, and the cultivation of a culture of goodwill. Founded by Motunrayo Alaka, the Foundation builds on her decades of work in journalism, governance and civic engagement. It is chaired by Yele Okeremi (PhD), Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Precise Financial Systems (PFS), an indigenous technology solutions company. Through programmes, advocacy, research, capacity building, philanthropy and collaboration, the Foundation seeks to create lasting, measurable impact. Its work is grounded in faith in action, excellence, compassion, stewardship, initiative and collaboration, with a commitment to dignity, integrity and public trust.
About BETA
The Basic Education Torchbearers Awards (BETA) is an initiative of The Adunni Foundation established to recognise and celebrate individuals, institutions and communities whose commitment, sacrifice and innovation contribute to advancing basic education in Nigeria. BETA is anchored on the conviction that Education is Independence and that a better Nigeria begins with basic education. The maiden edition was held in October 2025 under the theme, ‘Honouring the Past: Celebrating Legacy in Basic Education.’ The 2026 edition carries the theme, ‘Carrying the Torch: Reimagining Basic Education for Nigeria’s Future.’
Media Contact
The Adunni Foundation / BETA Secretariat
contactus@adunnifoundation.org