The Adunni Foundation, a social impact organisation advancing sustainable development through interventions in education, democracy, and human capital development, has announced the launch of the Basic Education Torchbearers Awards (BETA), a national initiative designed to honour individuals and institutions contributing to Nigeria’s basic education sector.
The Foundation unveiled the programme on Wednesday as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. According to the organisers, the award will recognise both celebrated and unsung contributors whose sacrifices and vision helped to lay the foundation for Nigeria’s education system.
The maiden edition of the awards is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the NECA Main Hall, Alausa, Lagos. Former Ambassador to UNESCO and Professor of Education, Michael Omolewa, will deliver the keynote lecture on the theme: “Education is True Independence.”
Founder of the Adunni Foundation, Motunrayo Adunni Famuyiwa-Alaka, said the initiative was aimed at reframing independence beyond politics to focus on education as a key instrument of freedom.
“While Nigeria won political independence in 1960, true independence will only be secured when every child has access to quality basic education,” said Motunrayo Adunni Famuyiwa-Alaka, Founder & Initiator of The Adunni Foundation. “BETA reframes Independence Day as a moment to reflect on education as a foundational freedom and to honour those who made it possible.”
Highlights of the event include Hope Nigeria Talks, a platform where schoolchildren will share their views on the future of education and civic values in the country. The programme will also feature the unveiling of Edupendent: Education is Independence, the Foundation’s flagship project for transformative education.
The organisers noted that the awards align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4 (Quality Education), and touch on other goals such as no poverty, gender equality, reduced inequalities, and peace and justice.
Categories to be awarded at the inaugural ceremony include BETA Hero (Posthumous) for pioneers of basic education, Torchbearer Educator of Legacy for retired educators, Community Champion for Learning for non-educators promoting learning, Institutional Builder Award, Alumni Impact Award, and Most Brilliant Student Award for top performers in national examinations.
The Foundation also called for partners and sponsors to support the awards through financial or in-kind contributions, with platinum, gold, silver, and bronze tiers of partnership available.
The Adunni Foundation, founded by Motunrayo Adunni Famuyiwa-Alaka, is a social impact organisation focused on education, democracy, and human capital development. The Foundation is chaired by Dr. Yele Okeremi, CEO of Precise Financial Systems.