Adunni Foundation Calls For Renewed Commitment To Basic Education in Nigeria

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Motunrayo Alaka


The Adunni Foundation has called for renewed national commitment to basic education as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence anniversary.

The foundation made the call in a statement issued to commemorate the anniversary, stressing the importance of education in enabling citizens to participate meaningfully in national development.

According to the organisation, its “Education is Independence” philosophy was articulated by its Founder, Motunrayo Alaka, during the launch of the #Edupendent Campaign at the maiden Basic Education Torchbearers Awards (BETA) in October 2025.

Alaka said political independence gave Nigeria sovereignty as a nation, while education equips citizens with knowledge, skills, confidence and opportunities to exercise their freedom.

“The emancipation of the mind of the Nigerian child is central to securing the promise of Nigeria’s freedom,” she said.

The foundation said the philosophy informed the establishment of BETA, an initiative designed to recognise individuals, institutions and communities contributing to the advancement of basic education in Nigeria.

The 2026 edition of BETA is scheduled to hold in October in Lagos under the theme, “Carrying the Torch: Reimagining Basic Education for Nigeria’s Future.”

Alaka said the Independence anniversary should provide an opportunity to reflect on the state of education and the future of Nigerian children.

“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?” she asked.

The foundation identified access to education, learning outcomes, infrastructure, teacher capacity, inequality and school safety among the challenges confronting basic education in the country.

It, however, acknowledged the efforts of educators, communities, institutions and individuals working to improve educational opportunities for children.

The organisation said the #Edupendent Campaign, launched in 2025, seeks to build broader public support for the belief that education is fundamental to freedom and national development.

According to the foundation, the campaign will work 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.

The foundation said the BETA awards would continue to recognise contributions to basic education while encouraging greater collective commitment to the sector.

The maiden edition of BETA was held in October 2025 under the theme, “Honouring the Past: Celebrating Legacy in Basic Education.”

The Adunni Foundation, founded by Alaka, describes itself as a Christian-inspired social impact organisation working in education, youth opportunity, economic access and the promotion of a culture of goodwill.

The foundation said its work includes advocacy, research, capacity building, philanthropy and collaboration aimed at creating measurable social impact.

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