The MTN Foundation recently graduated the 10th set of MTNF/MUSON Diploma in music certification in Lagos.
During the event, it was a kind of fulfilment, joy and gratitude by parents and guardians of 26th MTNF/MUSON Scholars at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, graduated with the highly-coveted Diploma in music certification.
Elsewhere in Ondo State, the Foundation said it has invested no less than N96m on providing scholarships and sets of school furniture to students and pupils.
The foundation said the action was in line with its determination to bring hope to the young ones and assist them to scale hurdles in their path to learning and development.
The chairman of the MTNF, Mr. Julius Adeluyi, disclosed this while handing over the 150 students desks and benches and 15 teachers tables and chairs to Aquinas College, Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The graduating students were provided a great opportunity to exhibit their mastery of musical instruments and vocal renditions, while demonstrating to the audience some of the dexterous skills they have acquired after the rigorous music training.
Speaking at the event, Director, MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro said, “I must commend the students and the board of MUSON for living the values of the initiative as enabled by MTN Foundation through the years. We have no doubt that you will make this country proud with your acquired skills.”
While presenting the best three graduating students who lived up to the standards of the MTN Foundation and greatly exhibited values of excellence, creativity, leadership and integrity, the Executive secretary of the MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma, lauded the tenacity and dedication of the graduands.
“Your tenacity, hard work and dedication to your craft have inspired us to extend the same opportunity given you to others, year after year. The rigour you have displayed in the two years of this program will serve you well in the real world. Yes, it is highly competitive out there but if you keep working hard and stay true to yourself you will be successful,” she said.
Impressed at the outstanding performances, the director of the MUSON School of Music, Mrs. Marion Akpata, described the display as scintillating and extolled MTN Foundation’s gesture at investing in the lives of the Nigerian youth particularly through music.
“At MUSON, we are deeply grateful and excited about this productive partnership with MTN Foundation which has ensured the renaissance of classical music in Nigeria.
Real music demands training, talent, focus and devotion and these have been properly instilled in the graduands as we hope to see them excel in whatever capacity they chose to practice.” The excited scholars in appreciation rendered a special song for the Foundation.
Presenting its 10th graduating set, the MTNF/MUSON partnership has consistently churned out a new generation of music professionals that have ensured the renaissance of classical music in Nigeria. Over the years, the foundation has played a significant role in the space of arts and culture by sponsoring the award-winning musicals – Kakadu, Saro and Wakaa as part of its efforts to complement government’s efforts in reviving the arts and culture industry.
Supporting the MUSON School, giving scholarships to students, renovating schools, promoting the use of ICT in educational institutions among others are series of ways the Foundation is touching lives in Nigeria.
