“I will not stop chasing my dreams. I am Special. I am unique. I will break barriers.”

That chant, echoed by a group of young voices from New Liberty School, Ikota, set the tone for the 2025 Special Foundation Thought Leadership Summit. It wasn’t just a performance, it was a promise. One rooted in hope, courage, and the transformative power of education.

From the emotional spoken word piece that opened the day, to moments of spontaneous gratitude that brought tears to the eyes of partners and guests, the summit offered more than conversation, it offered clarity. It emphasized the salient truth that education, when inclusive and collaborative, changes everything.

A Summit with Heart

Little Shindara’s shy but sincere “thank you” lingered in the air long after the applause faded. Inspire Scholar, Daniel Akinlade stood beside his brother, Victor—both scholarship recipients—and in a moment that hushed the room, said: “I love you all and God will bless you in Jesus’ name.”

These weren't rehearsed lines. They were real. And in their simplicity, they reminded every guest of why we do what we do.

The 2025 Summit was a front-row seat for our partners, supporters, potential collaborators, and friends to see firsthand what impact looks like when children are given the chance to dream and thrive.

A Mission on the Move

This year’s theme, Educating the Future of Africa, captured not just the spirit of the day but the heartbeat of our mission. As we continue to provide scholarships, mentorship, infrastructure support, and advocacy for children in underserved communities, the summit served as both a celebration and a call to action in transforming the lives of African children.

And the media listened. Major publications amplified the conversations that took place and echoed the urgency of our work:

• • Nairametrics highlighted how the summit championed a future of inclusive education and called for deeper collaboration across the public and private sectors.
    
    

  • This Day emphasized our commitment to breaking barriers for children across Nigeria, focusing on access and equity.
    
    

  • The Guardian captured our continued advocacy for urgent reforms in the public education system, particularly in communities where the need is greatest.
    
    

  • The Punch reported on our push for systemic change and investment in learning outcomes that truly leave no child behind.
    
    

Each article affirmed what we already know: the time to act is now.

Moving Forward, Together

The summit may be over, but the work continues. As we move closer to our goal of transforming the lives of 100,000+ children by 2030, your partnership—whether as a donor, volunteer, school, or corporate sponsor—remains the cornerstone of our progress.

To everyone who showed up, spoke up, donated, or simply listened, thank you. Your belief in the power of education fuels everything we do.

Let’s keep going. Let’s keep building.

Want to get involved?

You can donate and support our mission to educate the future of Africa today. In addition, you can learn more about how you can partner with us and find all our upcoming projects at https://www.thespecialfoundation.org/project.