Education as a Pillar of National Freedom

As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence anniversary, The Adunni Foundation has called for a renewed national commitment to basic education. The organization maintains that true independence cannot be fully realized while children are denied access to quality learning and the opportunities necessary to fulfill their potential.

In a statement marking the anniversary, the foundation noted that while political independence granted Nigeria sovereignty, education remains the critical tool for equipping citizens with the knowledge, confidence, and skills required to exercise that freedom meaningfully. The organization emphasized that the development of the Nigerian child is central to the nation's future stability.

The emancipation of the mind of the Nigerian child is central to securing the promise of Nigeria’s freedom.

— Motunrayo Alaka, Founder, The Adunni Foundation

Rethinking the Meaning of Independence

Founder of The Adunni Foundation, Motunrayo Alaka, explained that for Nigerian children, independence should extend beyond national sovereignty. It must encompass access to safe environments, quality basic education, and the ability to imagine a future of possibility regardless of their background.

Reflecting on the significance of the anniversary, Alaka urged Nigerians to examine the current state of education and the disparities in opportunities available to children across the country. She highlighted that learning outcomes and school safety remain critical hurdles to national development.

Every Independence Day invites us to reflect on the Nigeria we inherited, the Nigeria we have and the Nigeria we are building. 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?

— Motunrayo Alaka, Founder, The Adunni Foundation

The BETA Awards and Advocacy Initiatives

The foundation’s position comes as it prepares for the 2026 edition of the Basic Education Torchbearers Awards (BETA), scheduled for October in Lagos. The theme for the upcoming event is “Carrying the Torch: Reimagining Basic Education for Nigeria’s Future.” The initiative was established to recognize individuals, institutions, and communities whose contributions have advanced basic education in Nigeria.

Alongside the awards, the foundation is promoting the #Edupendent Campaign, which was launched in 2025. This movement seeks to build public support for the belief that education is fundamental to national development. The campaign aims to:

• Promote greater access to basic education across all regions
• Support efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children
• Strengthen accountability for the provision of compulsory basic education
• Collaborate with stakeholders to improve teacher capacity and infrastructure

Organizational Mission and Leadership

The Adunni Foundation is a Christian-inspired social impact organization focused on sustainable development through interventions in education, youth opportunity, and economic access. The organization operates through advocacy, research, capacity building, and philanthropy, anchored on principles of stewardship and collaboration.

The foundation is chaired by Yele Okeremi (PhD), who is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Precise Financial Systems (PFS), a prominent indigenous technology solutions company. The foundation's work continues to focus on the future of basic education and the collective responsibility of stakeholders to sustain progress already made in the sector.