Stakeholders across Nigeria’s education and professional sectors are calling for immediate reforms in the basic education system, warning that the country’s future depends heavily on how early-childhood learning is prioritised and managed.
The call comes as The Adunni Foundation prepares to host the 2026 edition of the Basic Education Torchbearers Awards (BETA) on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, at the Foundation of Truth Assembly (FOTA) in Surulere, Lagos. The event, themed ‘The Child at the Centre: What Must Change in Nigeria’s Basic Education?’, aims to tackle critical gaps in learning outcomes, infrastructure, and child inclusion.
Focusing on the Needs of the Child
The summit will bring together school pupils, teachers, policy advocates, and sector leaders to deliberate on practical steps to fix Nigeria’s basic education sector. Beyond policy discussions, the event will recognise top-performing pupils in the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), popular as Junior WAEC.
Speaking on the vision for this year’s event, Ms. Motunrayo Alaka, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Adunni Foundation, stressed that the success of any educational policy must be evaluated by its direct impact on children in the classroom.
“Basic education must be judged by what children experience, what they learn and the opportunities they can access,” said Ms. Alaka. “Placing the child at the centre requires us to address learning outcomes, teachers, infrastructure, inclusion, safety and the responsibilities of every stakeholder. BETA 2026 offers an opportunity to move these concerns towards shared responsibility and action.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
A major highlights of this year’s gathering is ‘Hope Nigeria Talks’, an interactive platform designed for school children to articulate their expectations for the education system and express their vision for the nation they will inherit.
Additionally, a dedicated career session tagged ‘Uniforms and Dreams: Careers That Serve Nigeria’ will connect pupils directly with industry professionals to broaden their understanding of future career paths.
Prominent figures scheduled to speak include Dr. Yele Okeremi, Board Chairperson of The Adunni Foundation; Dr. Ede-Edokpolor Osazuwa, Medical Director at Grachelle Multi-Specialty Hospital; Chef Tobias Igwe, Managing Director of Speedmeals Culinary Ltd; Miss Aanuoluwapo Ojewunmi of the Young Aerospace Professionals Initiative; and legal consultant Mr. Aderemi Durojaiye.
Moving From Foundation to Action
While the inaugural 2025 edition focused on honouring institutions and individuals who built the groundwork for basic education development, the 2026 edition shifts the spot directly onto the pupils.
Anchored on the Foundation’s core belief that Education is Independence, BETA 2026 reinforces the national campaign to ensure every child acquires the essential skills required to contribute meaningfully to society, directly aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).
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