The Acting Director of the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) School of Music, Emeka Nwodike, on Tuesday conducted the institution’s graduating class in a stirring finale performance that brought the 2026 graduation concert to a memorable close.

Held at the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, the concert celebrated students who successfully completed the MUSON Diploma Programme under the MTN Foundation Scholarship Programme.

The graduating choir presented a diverse repertoire that showcased the depth of their musical training and artistic development. Their performance featured Italian Salad by Richard Genée, My Song by Ēriks Ešenvalds, Obi Dimkpa by Laz Ekwueme and an ABBA Medley arranged by Göran Bejstam.

Conducting the ensemble, Nwodike led the graduates through the demanding programme with precision, drawing performances marked by technical excellence, vocal maturity and expressive musicianship before an audience of family members, music lovers and stakeholders in the creative industry.

The graduation concert highlighted the enduring partnership between the MTN Foundation and MUSON, which has, since 2006, provided scholarships to hundreds of talented young Nigerians through the MUSON Diploma School. The initiative remains one of the country’s foremost platforms for professional music education, equipping young musicians with the skills required to build careers in performance, teaching and the wider creative industry.

Speaking at the close of the concert, Nwodike commended the MTN Foundation for its sustained investment in music education and youth development over nearly two decades.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Director of the MUSON Centre, faculty members, mentors and other stakeholders whose commitment, he said, has continued to strengthen the institution’s reputation for excellence.

“For nearly 20 years, the MTN Foundation has remained a steadfast partner in our mission to nurture young musical talent. We are deeply grateful for that commitment. I also want to thank the Director of the MUSON Centre, our faculty, mentors and everyone whose dedication has helped the MUSON School of Music continue to grow and thrive. Their support has made this programme what it is today, and our graduates are a testament to that collective effort,” he said.