Encomium
The MTN Foundation in partnership with the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) hosted the 16th edition of the MTN-MUSON graduation ceremony on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at the MUSON Centre Onikan Lagos. This year, 29 outstanding music scholars graduated, after an impactful two-year music programme.
The two-year Diploma in music programme creates an opportunity for young music enthusiasts to become well-rounded, thoroughly educated musicians who can qualify for direct entry into a university to fulfil the remaining requirements for an undergraduate music degree.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Chairman, MTN Foundation, Prince Julius Adelusi Adeluyi (OFR) mni, appreciated the efforts of MUSON and encouraged the students to use the opportunity they have gotten to make a better future for themselves. He said, “I was very impressed by the performance of the students at the concert yesterday. This just goes to show that Nigeria is populated with talented people. I congratulate all the graduands but most importantly the teachers, who have made sure they left no stone unturned. It has been a kind of collaborative effort between the MTN Foundation and MUSON School of Music, and together we will be better, and we will ensure sustainability, not only for this set, but for future sets to come.
To the students, I just want to admonish you that when you leave here, you are more or less on your own. Life itself is based on chances, choices and consequences, and how you use them is based solely on you. Today, you have many areas of self-expression and I hope you utilise them well. I pray the lord will help you use your knowledge to discover the chances you have and give you the wisdom to make choices that will make the consequences satisfactory to you.”
The Chairman MUSON, Louis Mbanefo, while giving his remark during the graduation said, ‘‘I would like to appreciate the Chairman and Directors of MTN Foundation, not only for making the School of Music an ongoing reality, but also for their generosity in providing us with technical and musical equipment. This is something that MUSON will always be grateful for. The MUSON School of Music has now produced over 400 graduates, and we have a vibrant alumni association.
To all the graduands I congratulate you, however, I must admonish you not to fall prey to the Nigerian disease of complacency. Music is a hard taskmaster, and every musician must learn to put in long hours of practice, there is no shortcut. Do not rest on your oars, but continue to practise your instruments and groom your skills. Let continuous improvement be your motto.’’
The MTNF- MUSON Scholars’ Programme is an initiative which seeks to provide support to Nigerian youths with a high passion for music. The initiative provides annual scholarships worth N250,000 to cover tuition, books and transportation over a period of two years, for eligible musically talented youth. Since 2006, the Foundation in partnership with MUSON has fully funded over 400 music scholars to study at the prestigious Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON).
