MTN Foundation Celebrates 20 Years with MUSON, Opens 2026 Music Scholarship Applications
For two decades, the MTN Foundation MUSON Music Scholarship has helped shape the careers of aspiring musicians across Nigeria, opening doors to world-class music education and professional development. As the partnership between the MTN Foundation and the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) reaches its 20-year milestone, applications have officially opened for the 2026/2027 Music Scholars Programme, offering another group of talented young Nigerians the opportunity to study music on a fully funded scholarship.
The anniversary represents more than a celebration of longevity. It highlights two decades of sustained investment in Nigeria’s creative sector through music education, talent discovery, and professional training. Since the programme was introduced in 2006, hundreds of promising musicians have benefited from scholarships that cover tuition for the internationally recognised Diploma in Music offered by the MUSON School of Music.
The MTN Foundation MUSON Music Scholarship was created to identify talented young Nigerians who possess musical ability but may lack the financial resources needed to pursue professional training. Through the initiative, scholars receive intensive instruction from experienced music educators while developing the technical and performance skills required for successful careers in music.
Applications are now open for the 21st cohort of the programme, with eligible candidates invited to apply for admission into the full-time two-year Diploma in Music. Successful applicants will study at the MUSON School of Music in Lagos, one of Nigeria’s leading institutions for classical and contemporary music education.
The scholarship provides far more than financial support. Students benefit from structured academic learning, practical performance training, ensemble participation, music theory, instrumental instruction, vocal coaching, and exposure to internationally recognised teaching standards. Graduates leave the programme with qualifications that can support further studies or professional careers within Nigeria and abroad.
Over the years, the partnership has produced musicians who have excelled as performers, composers, music educators, conductors, instrumentalists, and recording professionals. Many alumni have continued their education in universities around the world, while others have established successful careers within Nigeria’s rapidly expanding creative economy.
Beyond producing skilled musicians, the programme has contributed to preserving Nigeria’s rich musical heritage while encouraging innovation across different genres. Participants receive training that combines classical foundations with contemporary performance techniques, preparing them to adapt to an evolving global music industry.
The continued collaboration between MTN Foundation and MUSON demonstrates the important role that public-interest initiatives can play in developing creative talent. By investing in education rather than short-term interventions, the programme creates lasting opportunities for young people with exceptional musical potential.
Interested applicants are expected to satisfy both academic and musical entry requirements. Candidates should possess at least five credits in either the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or the General Certificate of Education (GCE), including English Language, obtained in no more than two sittings. Applicants must also demonstrate the required level of practical and theoretical music proficiency recognised by the MUSON School of Music.
Eligible applicants between the ages of 18 and 35 are encouraged to submit their applications before the announced deadline. Shortlisted candidates will proceed through written examinations, practical auditions, and interviews before final admission into the diploma programme.
The programme has continued to evolve alongside Nigeria’s creative economy. In addition to classroom learning, scholars now benefit from improved learning facilities, including a digital music studio donated by the MTN Foundation to strengthen practical training and music production experience.
Industry observers believe programmes such as the MTN Foundation MUSON Music Scholarship are essential for building a sustainable music ecosystem. Nigeria is globally recognised for its vibrant music industry, yet professional music education remains a critical foundation for producing highly skilled composers, arrangers, instrumentalists, vocalists, and music directors capable of competing internationally.
The scholarship also reflects the growing recognition that education remains one of the strongest investments in the future of Nigeria’s creative industries. As music continues to contribute significantly to cultural exports, employment, and economic growth, nurturing talented young people becomes increasingly important.
For aspiring musicians, the scholarship provides an opportunity to receive structured professional education without the financial burden that often limits access to quality music training. Beyond acquiring technical knowledge, scholars become part of a respected network of musicians whose contributions continue to shape Nigeria’s performing arts landscape.
As MTN Foundation celebrates two decades of collaboration with MUSON, the launch of another application cycle reinforces its long-term commitment to empowering young Nigerians through education and creativity. The MTN Foundation MUSON Music Scholarship continues to serve as a platform where talent meets opportunity, helping aspiring musicians transform passion into lifelong professional careers while strengthening Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s leading creative economies.
