Bring Back Music Education to Schools, the FG Told

The Federal Government has been urged to reintroduce music education in schools to help discover and nurture young talents.

This call was made by the Director of Music, Nigerian Air Force, Wing Commander Ayodeji Ayanbode, during the 5th Abuja National Music Competition.

Ayanbode, who served as a judge at the event, said the promotion of music and talent discovery among students should not be left only to private individuals and organisations.

“The government needs to do more to promote music in our schools. Our presence here today shows we value music,” he said.

“I commend the organisers of this music competition because they have put in their time, resources and energy to bring out the best in these children. We need more of this kind of competition so that the raw talents of school children in music can be discovered.”

Organiser of the event, Mrs Nana Gbolahan, a creative and strategic business leader, career advisor and consultant, said the music competition was established to bring music back to Abuja.

She said that music is no longer in the curriculum of many schools, a development that discourages students who intend to pursue a career in music.

“The competition is to keep music alive in our schools because it plays a key role in our lives. The National Music Competition was established to revive music in Abuja.

“We noticed that many schools no longer have music in their curriculum, and this often discourages those who intend to go into music. We wanted to ensure that we keep music alive in our schools, especially given that music plays a key role in enhancing students’ intelligence.

Music plays a significant role in calming nerves and serves as a unifying factor, regardless of tribe, tongue, or language. This is a fantastic way to unify Nigerians and encourage those who are into music. Music is important in our schools, and we call on the government to reintroduce music education to our schools.

“The government is aware because last year, when we did the 4th edition, we had people from the Ministry of Education who came, and in this year’s edition, we wrote to them. Unfortunately, they were unable to come. I think they have another event somewhere else,” Gbolahan said.

In the same vein, she called on corporate bodies to partner with the organisation to discover music talents in schools and bring them to the limelight.

The Abuja National Music Competition is dedicated to reviving the authenticity of Nigerian music by showcasing exceptional vocal and instrumental talent from primary and secondary schools nationwide. Now in its 5th edition, the event aims to discover, support, and celebrate young musicians who demonstrate outstanding artistic mastery.

With the theme, ‘Take the Stage’, the 2025 edition emphasises how healthy competition inspires creativity.

Participants benefit from professional mentorship, perform before an expert jury of renowned music professionals, and receive recognition and awards for their dedication and skill. The competition also serves as a platform for exposure, promoting music education and performance across Nigeria.