“I Can Now Dream Big!” – MTN-MUSON Scholar Confesses

On Wednesday, 22 October 2025, the Music Society of Nigeria (MUSON) welcomed new students in the MTN MUSON Scholarship Programme. With beaming pride as he discussed his passion for music and the new boost his career was about to take,Olaifa Ebenzer Abiodun, a new student in the MTN MUSON Scholarship Programme, “I can now dream big,” he said with a smile. “I need to thank MTN because they are doing a lot for us, they are doing a lot for me personally because now they are giving me an allowance and even providing some books for us. So I just need to thank them and say thank you, MTN.”

MTN and Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) welcomed Olaifa and a class of new  students under the MTN-MUSON Scholarship Programme. The event brought together faculty, alumni, and representatives of the MTN Foundation.

The MTN-MUSON Scholarship Programme provides fully funded scholarships to young Nigerians passionate about music. For the past 18 years, the programme has served as a bridge for talented students to receive structured training in classical music, develop professional skills, and access opportunities that help transform their artistic potential into lifelong careers.

Sir Emeka Nwokedi, Deputy Director of the MUSON School of Music, commended the long-standing partnership between the MTN Foundation and MUSON. He emphasised the importance of focus and consistency for the scholars, saying, “You need to be focused and consistent in your pursuit of musical excellence. With the right mindset and dedication, you can achieve great things and become the best in your field.” He also encouraged the scholars to reach out to him or their teachers whenever they needed guidance or support, saying, “Our door is always open to you, and we’re always here to listen and help in any way we can. Don’t hesitate to come to us with any questions or concerns you may have.”

In her remarks, Pamela Emodi, Project Manager, Youth Development at the MTN Foundation, commended the new scholars for their passion and commitment to learning. “At MTN Foundation, our mission is to ensure that no community in Nigeria is left behind,” she said. “We believe everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life, no matter how remote their area is.”

She also highlighted the importance of collaboration and continuous learning in building a sustainable creative industry. “We can’t do it alone. If you’re doing something alone, you can’t go far. But if you’re going with people, you move faster and go farther. That’s why everything we do is through collaboration and partnerships,” she explained.

Speaking further, she emphasised the Foundation’s long-standing support for the arts and youth development. “We’ve partnered with MUSON since 2006, providing fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, books, transport stipends, and internet access, all to help young Nigerians thrive creatively and academically,” she added.

Since its inception, the MTN-MUSON partnership has trained over 400 music scholars, many of whom have gone on to become educators, performers, and ambassadors of African talent around the world. The programme offers a rigorous two-year diploma in music, providing both theoretical and practical training in performance, composition, and music theory.

This year’s induction marks another milestone as a new set of young Nigerians take their first step into the world of classical music and learning. For them, this is more than an academic pursuit; it is the beginning of a lifelong journey of creativity and growth.