The Special Foundation has issued a strong call for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s education system. The foundation also revealed its ambitious plan to provide education to over 100,000 out-of-school children by the year 2030.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by its founder, Mr. Seyi Akinwale, the organisation stressed the need for inclusive and transformative education, especially for children in underserved communities. The statement followed the foundation’s annual Thought Leadership Summit 2025, which was held in Lagos under the theme “Educating the Future of Africa.”
Akinwale emphasised the foundation’s vision, saying, “The future we dream of begins with the spark of a child. A better world is only possible when more children are in school. Education helps shape their thoughts, influence their minds, and positively impact our society.”
He said the summit reflected the foundation’s strong commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of leaders. This, he noted, would be achieved by expanding access to quality education and bringing together support from various sectors.
During the summit, Mr. Chukwuma Nwanze, CEO of Credit Direct and one of the foundation’s ambassadors, addressed the crisis of Nigeria’s estimated 20 million out-of-school children. He described the situation as a national emergency and urged participants to leave the summit with a greater commitment to action.
“Let us leave here lighter in conscience but heavier in commitment,” Nwanze said, aligning his message with the foundation’s goal of educating 100,000 children by 2030.
He also shared updates on the foundation’s impact so far: over 35,000 lives reached, more than 600 full scholarships awarded—98% of which have continued for over five years—partnerships with 140 schools across 15 states, 15 refurbished schools, 10,000 mentored children, and over 300 communities impacted.
Sterling Bank CEO Abubakar Suleiman, who delivered the keynote address, praised the foundation’s model and urged more targeted giving.
“We are not here to convince you to start giving; you already give,” Suleiman said. “What I ask is that we channel that giving through a foundation that reaches the people most in need, and delivers the greatest value with the least resources.”
The summit also featured a “Wall of Stories” installation and a recognition ceremony to honour the foundation’s partners. These collaborators were acknowledged for their dedication to the vision of a better Africa through education.
One of the most touching moments of the event came from two scholarship recipients: brothers Daniel and Victor Akinlade. Daniel is supported by the Inspire Scholarship for primary and secondary education, while Victor, his older brother, is benefiting from the Special Scholarship for university-level study. Their testimonies brought the foundation’s mission to life—showing the power of consistent support from classroom learning to future leadership.