Independence Day: Adunni Foundation Launches Renewed Push for Basic Education in Nigeria
The Adunni Foundation has called for a renewed national commitment to quality basic education, declaring that Nigeria’s political independence must be matched by the educational empowerment of every Nigerian child.
The Foundation made the call as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary, reiterating the philosophy behind its #Edupendent Campaign that “Education is Independence.”
Founder of the Foundation, Motunrayo Alaka, first articulated the philosophy during the launch of the campaign at the maiden Basic Education Torchbearers Awards (BETA) in October 2025.
According to the Foundation, while political independence gave Nigeria sovereignty, education provides citizens with the knowledge, confidence, skills and opportunities required to exercise their freedom and participate meaningfully in society.
It argued that independence for the Nigerian child should therefore include access to quality basic education, a safe learning environment and opportunities to develop their potential.
“The emancipation of the mind of the Nigerian child is central to securing the promise of Nigeria’s freedom,” Alaka said.
The philosophy inspired the establishment of BETA, a national initiative designed to recognise individuals, institutions and communities whose contributions have helped advance basic education in Nigeria while encouraging greater commitment to the country’s children.
Following its maiden edition in 2025, the awards will return this month in Lagos with the theme, “Carrying the Torch: Reimagining Basic Education for Nigeria’s Future.”
Alaka said Independence Day provided an opportunity not only to reflect on Nigeria’s national journey but also to assess the opportunities available to its children.
“Every Independence Day invites us to reflect on the Nigeria we inherited, the Nigeria we have and the Nigeria we are building,” she said.
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“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 identified access, learning outcomes, inadequate infrastructure, teacher capacity, inequality and school safety among the challenges confronting basic education in Nigeria.
It said these challenges should not overshadow the efforts of teachers, communities, institutions, organisations and individuals working to improve educational opportunities for children.
According to the organisation, BETA was conceived to connect both realities by recognising past contributions to education, celebrating those making an impact today and encouraging stronger collective action for the future.
The #Edupendent Campaign, launched in 2025, seeks to build a wider public movement around the principle that education is fundamental to individual freedom and national development.
Through the campaign, the Foundation said it would collaborate 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 to Nigerian children.
The 2026 Basic Education Torchbearers Awards will be held in Lagos in October.
The maiden edition, held in October 2025 under the theme, “Honouring the Past: Celebrating Legacy in Basic Education,” recognised contributions to the development of the country’s basic education sector.
The Adunni Foundation is a Christian-inspired social impact organisation working in education, youth opportunity and economic access, while promoting what it describes as a culture of goodwill.
Founded by Alaka, whose professional background spans journalism, governance and civic engagement, the organisation undertakes advocacy, research, capacity building, philanthropy and collaborative interventions aimed at sustainable development.
The Foundation is chaired by Dr Yele Okeremi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Precise Financial Systems (PFS).
BETA, one of its flagship initiatives, is anchored on the Foundation’s conviction that “Education is Independence” and that strengthening basic education is fundamental to Nigeria’s future.
By PRNigeria
