Funmi Ogundare
The Adunni Foundation has referred to as for renewed nationwide dedication to primary schooling, stressing that Nigeria’s independence can’t be absolutely realised with out guaranteeing that each baby has entry to high quality schooling.
Founder of the inspiration, Motunrayo Alaka, in a press release to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day, described schooling as a crucial pathway via which residents can train their freedom and take part meaningfully in nationwide improvement.
Alaka mentioned the emancipation of the thoughts of the Nigerian baby is central to securing the promise of Nigeria’s independence.
“Education is independence, a philosophy that informed the launch of the #Edupendent campaign during the maiden edition of the Basic Education Torchbearers Awards (BETA) in October 2025,” she mentioned.
According to her, whereas political independence gave Nigeria sovereignty as a nation, schooling gives residents with the data, confidence, abilities and alternatives required to train that freedom.
“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,” she mentioned.
She famous that BETA was established to recognise people, establishments and communities whose contributions have superior primary schooling in Nigeria, whereas inspiring renewed dedication to the youngsters who would form the nation’s future.
The 2026 version of BETA is scheduled to maintain in Lagos in October with the theme, ‘Carrying the Torch: Reimagining Basic Education for Nigeria’s Future’.
Alaka mentioned the annual Independence Day celebration offered a chance for Nigerians to mirror on the nation they inherited, the nation they at present have and the one they’re constructing, including that such reflection should embrace the Nigerian baby.
“Every Independence Day invites us to reflect on the Nigeria we inherited, the Nigeria we have and the Nigeria we are building,” she mentioned.
“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 founder recognized entry to schooling, studying outcomes, infrastructure, trainer capability, inequality and faculty security among the many main challenges confronting primary schooling within the nation.
She acknowledged the efforts of educators, communities, establishments, organisations and people working to develop alternatives for Nigerian youngsters.
According to her, BETA seeks to deliver these realities collectively by honouring the work that has introduced the nation this far, recognising these advancing primary schooling and galvanizing stronger collective dedication to the long run.
The #Edupendent marketing campaign, launched in 2025, can be anticipated to construct a broader public motion across the perception that schooling is key to freedom and nationwide improvement.
The marketing campaign will work with related stakeholders to promote better entry to primary schooling, help efforts to cut back the variety of out-of-school youngsters and strengthen accountability for the supply of obligatory primary schooling for each Nigerian baby.
The maiden version of BETA, held in October 2025, was themed ‘Honouring the Past: Celebrating Legacy in Basic Education’, whereas the 2026 version will give attention to reimagining primary schooling for the long run.
