The Adunni Foundation has announced the maiden edition of the Basic Education Torchbearers Awards (BETA), a national program aimed at honoring individuals and institutions that have contributed to Nigeria’s basic education sector.
The event which is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, at the NECA Main Hall in Alausa, Lagos, will have Professor Michael Omolewa, a professor of education and former Nigerian ambassador to UNESCO, delivering the keynote address on the theme “Education is True Independence.”
Launched on Oct. 1 to coincide with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, BETA seeks to recognize both celebrated and unsung heroes whose efforts have shaped the country’s educational foundations.
The initiative emphasizes the link between national independence and access to quality basic education for all children.
“While Nigeria won political independence in 1960, true independence will only be secured when every child has access to quality basic education.
“BETA reframes Independence Day as a moment to reflect on education as a foundational freedom and to honour those who made it possible”, said Motunrayo Adunni Famuyiwa-Alaka, founder and initiator of the Adunni Foundation in a statement.
The event would include reflections and dialogues by schoolchildren on the future of education and civic values in Nigeria titled “Hope Nigeria Talks”, the BETA Awards Presentation, honoring outstanding educators, institutions and students; and the unveiling of “Edupendent: Education is Independence,” the foundation’s flagship program for transformative education.
Categories for the awards include: BETA Hero (Posthumous) for pioneers of basic education; Torchbearer Educator of Legacy for retired educators with lasting impact; Community Champion for Learning for non-educators advancing education; BETA Institutional Builder Award for civil society, faith-based and mission groups; BETA Alumni Impact Award for alumni and student groups supporting their alma maters; and BETA Most Brilliant Student Award for top performers in national examinations.
The Adunni Foundation is a social impact organization focused on sustainable development through education, democracy and human capital initiatives. It was founded by Famuyiwa-Alaka, drawing on her background in journalism, governance and civic engagement, and is chaired by Dr. Yele Okeremi, founder and CEO of Precise Financial Systems.
BETA serves as a platform to celebrate contributions to basic education while advocating for sector improvements.
