As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, the Adunni Foundation has renewed its call for greater access to safe, quality and effective basic education, while announcing the 2026 edition of its Basic Education Torchbearers Awards (BETA).

The social impact organisation said its #Edupendent Campaign, launched in 2025, is built around the conviction that education is fundamental to freedom and national development, and seeks to promote greater access to basic education, reduce the number of out-of-school children and strengthen accountability for the provision of compulsory basic education.

The campaign, according to the Foundation, highlights a less visible dimension of independence, whether Nigerian children have the educational opportunities needed to develop their potential, shape their lives and participate fully in society.

It is within this context that the Foundation will hold the 2026 BETA awards in October in Lagos to recognise individuals, institutions and communities whose commitment, sacrifice and innovation have contributed to advancing basic education in Nigeria.

The 2026 awards will be held under the theme, “Carrying the Torch: Reimagining Basic Education for Nigeria’s Future,” following the maiden edition in October 2025, which was themed “Honouring the Past: Celebrating Legacy in Basic Education.”

From political independence to education freedom

The Foundation’s founder, Motunrayo Alaka, said the meaning of independence should extend beyond the political freedom Nigeria gained in 1960 to include the opportunities available to citizens, particularly children, to shape their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.

According to her, access to quality basic education is central to that broader understanding of freedom because it equips children with the knowledge and opportunities needed to realise their potential.

She said the #Edupendent Campaign seeks to work with relevant stakeholders to strengthen accountability for the provision of compulsory basic education for every Nigerian child.

The initiative comes amid continuing concerns over access to education, with children in many communities facing barriers to schooling and gaps in infrastructure, resources and opportunities.

Celebrating basic education champions

Mrs Alaka said the awards are intended to provide a platform for recognising such contributions while encouraging sustained public attention to the responsibilities of individuals, institutions and communities in improving educational outcomes.

According to her, BETA is anchored on the conviction that “Education is Independence” and that the journey towards a better Nigeria begins with basic education.

The Adunni Foundation is a Christian-inspired social impact organisation focused on sustainable development through interventions in education, youth opportunity and economic access, as well as the cultivation of a culture of goodwill.

Founded by Motunrayo Alaka, whose work spans journalism, governance and civic engagement, the Foundation is chaired by Yele Okeremi (PhD), founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Precise Financial Systems, an indigenous technology solutions company.

Through programmes, advocacy, research, capacity building, philanthropy and collaboration, the Foundation seeks to create lasting and measurable impact, with its work grounded in faith in action, excellence, compassion, stewardship, initiative and collaboration.