Independent Newspapers Limited, publishers of Daily Independent, Saturday Independent, and Sunday Independent, will on October 9, 2025, mark the 70th anniversary of Free Universal Primary Education.

The event is designed to be part of Nigeria’s Independence Day anniversary celebrations.

According to a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos by the Managing Director, Independent Newspapers, Mr Steve Omanufeme, the landmark celebration will feature a public lecture to be delivered by a scholar, Prof. Barth Nnaji, and discussed by Dr Danladi Bako, and Otunba Segun Runsewe, OON, at 6:00 p.m., while a platinum award gala night with a red carpet to follow.

“Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Sir Ahmadu Bello, among other nationalists who led the struggle for Nigeria’s independence, were able to do so because of the armour of education, which they acquired at a huge personal cost. Without education, there would have been no self-government for the country; hence, the choice of the 65th Independence anniversary for the commemoration of 70 years of Free Universal Primary Education, a milestone scheme that began in 1955 and set the stage for various free education programmes across the country.

“Deserving governors, corporate organisations and distinguished individuals in public and private sectors will receive platinum awards for keeping the light of free primary education glowing in Nigeria, while a posthumous legacy award will be presented to Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Sir Ahmadu Bello by President Bola Tinubu, who is the Distinguished Guest of Honour at the high-profile event.”