The Special Foundation has stated the urgent need to reform Nigeria’s educational sector even as called on the need to deepen inclusive and transformative education for children from underserved communities.

In a statement after the successful completion of its annual Thought Leadership Summit 2025, held on May 8, 2025, at Center Point, Ikoyi, the Special Foundation said this year’s summit was themed: “Educating the Future of Africa.”

The event gathered a distinguished array of speakers and participants, including the CEO of Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, representatives of the US Embassy, First E&P Development Company, Skystone Capital, Heritage Oil Limited, Mariteam Nigeria Limited, Sterling One Foundation, Microsoft, BlueChip Technologies, RIF Trust, GardaWorld Security, thought leaders, educators, policymakers, community builders, and beneficiary families.

The summit stood out as a powerful convergence of voices, blending storytelling and lived experience into a call for long-term investment in African education, one child at a time.

Through stirring spoken word performances by beneficiaries, panel conversations, and impact storytelling, the event highlighted celebrated collaborative solutions being implemented on the ground and encouraged more to be done to combat the challenges in the educational sector.

In his opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Credit Direct and one of the Ambassadors of The Special Foundation, Mr. Chukwuma Nwanze, spotlighted the urgent crisis of Nigeria’s 20 million out-of-school children.

Framing the statistic as a national call to action, he challenged attendees to leave the summit “lighter in conscience but heavier in commitment” — a powerful charge aligned with the Foundation’s bold goal to educate over 100,000 out-of-school children by 2030.

He also highlighted the impact of the foundation to date. “Over 35,000 impacted lives, over 600 full scholarship beneficiaries currently supported, with 98 per cent having received continuous support for more than five years, over 140 schools partnered across over 15 states, 15 refurbished schools, 10,000 mentored children, and over 300 Communities impacted.”

Among the most moving moments were reflections from scholarship recipients and their families.

Two brothers, Daniel Akinlade and Victor Akinlade, are beneficiaries of the Inspire Scholarship, which supports primary and secondary education and a recipient of the Special Scholarship, funding for university journey.

In addition, Testimony and Prudence, beneficiaries with blind parents, graced the stage accompanied by their father.

There was also a showcase of the transformation at Hope Primary School in Ikoyi, and a recap of the foundation’s Special Summer School and Mentorship programs.

Two panel sessions explored key themes: the power of access to quality education and the broader ripple effects that extend beyond the child and into communities.

Audience feedback from both sessions reflected a deep resonance with the themes discussed, highlighting a shared belief in education as a catalyst for unlocking the potential of every child and creating lasting change within their families and communities.

Delivering his address, the Founder of The Special Foundation, Mr. Seyi Akinwale, reiterated the heart of the organisation’s mission: “The future we dream of begins with the spark of a child. The great world we anticipate and aspire for ourselves is only made possible if we can get more children into school to reshape their thoughts, influence their minds, and bring a positive influence to our society.”

At its core, the 2025 Thought Leadership Summit affirmed The Special Foundation’s resolve to nurture Africa’s future leaders by increasing access to quality education while mobilizing support across sectors.

The evening also included a special Wall of Stories installation and a recognition ceremony honoring the foundation’s partners and collaborators, who have contributed their time, resources, and belief in the vision of a better Africa through education.

The summit’s keynote speaker, the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, emphasised the need for continued commitment to the cause championed by The Special Foundation.

“The kids are the reason why we are here. We are not here to convince you to start giving; you already give. All I am asking is that we give through the foundation that has demonstrated that it really does get to the people who are in the most need. And that with the least amount, they are bringing out the most value,” he said.