BETA returns in October 2026 in Lagos under the theme “Carrying the Torch”
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Day, the Adunni Foundation has called for a renewed national commitment to basic education, anchored on the conviction that “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, the Foundation said, but education gives its citizens the knowledge, confidence, skills and opportunities to exercise that freedom and participate meaningfully as citizens. For the Nigerian child, independence must therefore include the chance to access quality basic education, learn, stay safe, develop their potential and imagine a future of possibility.
“The emancipation of the mind of the Nigerian child is central to securing the promise of Nigeria’s freedom,” Alaka said.
The conviction led to the creation of BETA, a national initiative of The Adunni Foundation that recognises individuals, institutions and communities whose contributions have advanced basic education in Nigeria, and seeks to 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 in Lagos 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,” Alaka said. “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 acknowledged the significant challenges facing basic education, including access, learning outcomes, infrastructure, teacher capacity, inequality and school safety.
It also noted the work of educators, communities, institutions, organisations and individuals who strive daily to create better opportunities for children. BETA, it said, seeks to bring these realities together, honour the work that brought the sector this far, recognise those advancing it today and inspire a stronger collective commitment to the future.
Launched in 2025, the #Edupendent Campaign aims to build a broader public movement around the belief 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.
Founded on Acts 10:38, The Adunni Foundation 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.
Established by Motunrayo Alaka, it builds on her decades of work in journalism, governance and civic engagement. The Foundation 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.
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.
It 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.”
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