Motunrayo Alaka, founder and chief executive officer of the Adunni Foundation, will speak on child-centred basic education at the 2026 Basic Education Torchbearers Awards (BETA) in Lagos.
The event, scheduled for October 21 at the Foundation of Truth Assembly, Surulere, will bring together pupils, teachers and education stakeholders to examine the changes needed to improve basic education in Nigeria.
Themed “The Child at the Centre: What Must Change in Nigeria’s Basic Education?”, BETA 2026 will also recognise outstanding pupils who performed well in the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), popularly known as Junior WAEC.
According to a statement from the foundation, discussions will focus on learning outcomes, teacher support, school infrastructure, inclusion, safety and the responsibilities of stakeholders in improving basic education.
Alaka Highlights Need for Education Reforms
Alaka said improving basic education requires attention to children’s learning experiences and the opportunities available to them.
“Basic education must be judged by what children experience, what they learn and the opportunities they can access,” she said.
“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,” Alaka added.
Programme to Feature Children’s Perspectives and Career Guidance
The event will feature Hope Nigeria Talks, a platform where children can share their hopes for education and the country they will inherit.
Another session, titled “Uniforms and Dreams: Careers That Serve Nigeria”, will introduce pupils to different professions and connect them with professionals who can offer insights into career opportunities.
The organisers said the sessions would give children a platform to express their expectations while helping them understand the possibilities available to them.
Other Speakers to Attend BETA 2026
Other speakers expected at the event include Yele Okeremi, board chairperson of the Adunni Foundation; Ede-Edokpolor Osazuwa, medical director of Grachelle Multi-Specialty Hospital and Fertility Clinic; and Tobias Igwe, managing director of Speedmeals Culinary Ltd.
Also expected are Aanuoluwapo Ojewunmi of the Young Aerospace Professionals Initiative and Aderemi Durojaiye, a legal consultant.
BETA Shifts Focus to Children’s Learning Experiences
The maiden edition of BETA, held in 2025, recognised individuals and institutions for their contributions to basic education.
According to the foundation, the 2026 edition will place greater emphasis on children, examining the changes needed to improve their learning experiences and expand their future opportunities.
The event is expected to provide a platform for education stakeholders to discuss practical ways to make basic education more inclusive, safe and effective for Nigerian children.
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