The MTN Foundation celebrated a new cohort of students from the MUSON School of Music Diploma Programme as part of its scholarship programme. The graduation ceremony took place at the MUSON Centre in Lagos, on the 7th and the 8th of June, 2026 commemorating the completion of the students’ two-year intensive training in performance, music theory, orchestral practice, and ensemble discipline. The ceremony featured a graduation concert with performances by emerging musicians, including presentations by the MUSON School Orchestra and graduating scholars.
Since 2006, the partnership between the MTN Foundation and the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) has been instrumental in advancing music education and talent development across Nigeria. To date, the initiative has fully funded the education of more than 500 music scholars, with every student admitted into the Diploma programme receiving a full scholarship through the MTN Foundation and MUSON Music Scholars Programme. The programme awards an internationally recognised Diploma in Music, equivalent to qualifications issued by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in the United Kingdom. Over the years, alumni have gone on to pursue distinguished careers and further studies globally.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, Chairman of the MTN Nigeria Foundation, described the programme as a long-term investment in young Nigerian talent. “Through our partnership with MUSON, we are expanding access to premium music education. You are no longer just performers; you are cultural ambassadors and vital contributors to a rapidly expanding creative economy.”
Also speaking at the event, Sir Emeka Nwokedi, Ag Director MUSON School of Music, highlighted the transformative role of the partnership. “The support of the MTN Foundation has been instrumental in ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of raw talent. Our graduates have received an education that meets internationally recognized standards. They have learned not only how to perform, but how to listen, collaborate, interpret, create, and continually pursue excellence.
For many graduates, the programme represented a major transition from informal musical interest to structured professional training. Mr. Sunday Okpo, the MUSON Alumni President, described the experience as transformative: “Along the way, we discovered that music is far more than singing or playing an instrument. Music teaches discipline, patience, and humility, and it teaches us to listen, not only to sound, but to one another. The journey has shifted us into better musicians, stronger individuals, and lifelong friendships.”
The MTN Foundation’s support for MUSON extends beyond scholarships. In 2022, the Foundation built a fully equipped digital music studio at the School of Music, furnished with professional instruments and equipment. These include HP ProBook laptops, a custom series marimba, a Viscount Unico 400 Organ, and Stentor Conservatoire violins. This investment further strengthened the infrastructure for music education in Nigeria.
The MTN Foundation and MUSON partnership continues to play a significant role in strengthening Nigeria’s music education ecosystem. It supports the development of professionally trained musicians equipped for careers in performance, education, production, and broader cultural expression. The programme aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to youth development in Nigeria.
