This initiative reaffirms MTN Foundation’s commitment to nurturing young Nigerian musical talent and contributing to the growth of the arts and culture sector in Nigeria.

The MTN MUSON Music Scholars Programme is a fully funded scholarship that offers comprehensive music training at the prestigious MUSON School of Music in Lagos.

The scholarship covers tuition, books and transportation, ensuring that aspiring musicians have the support they need to hone their skills and pursue their passion.

Since its inception, the programme has empowered numerous young Nigerians, enriching their lives and contributing significantly to the vibrant Nigerian music scene.

Graduates have gone on to achieve success across various areas of the music industry, both locally and internationally. 

“We are incredibly proud of our long-standing partnership with MUSON and the profound impact this scholarship programme has had on the lives of young Nigerians,” said Odunayo Sanya, executive director, MTN Foundation. “At MTN, we believe in the power of youth and the transformative potential of education. This programme is a demonstration of our dedication to fostering talent and building a sustainable future for the creative arts in Nigeria.” 

Prospective candidates are encouraged to apply for the programme, which offers a rigorous curriculum designed to develop well-rounded musicians.

The application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic year is August 25, 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for auditions and interviews at the MUSON Centre in Lagos.

The programme is open to talented young Nigerians who wish to improve their musical skills. Applicants must meet the following minimum academic qualifications:

• A Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) or General Certificate of Education (GCE) with at least credits in five (5) subjects including English Language.
• A higher pass certificate of music (Practical and Theory) from a recognized examination body such as MUSON, ABRSM or Trinity.

Additional Requirements:

Applicants who possess the following practical or theory certificates may also satisfy the GCE (O/L) or SSCE requirements.

PRACTICAL: Grade five (5) or higher pass certificate of The MUSON School of Music or any other music examining body recognised by the MUSON School.

THEORY: Grade five (5) or higher pass certificate of the MUSON School of Music or any other music examining body recognized by the MUSON School.

Applicants who do not meet the theory requirement but demonstrate outstanding practical ability may be considered. Such students must undertake a remedial theory course and pass the required examination within their first year.

For more information and to apply, visit: muson.org/diploma-school/.

She was one of the scholars of the MTN-MUSON Scholarship Program.

Even though she found out about her passion and talent for music at an early stage, Aghulor’s determined foray into music received both familial and communal protests from an environment where it was an oddity to venture into music as a course of study and a career path.

“I grew up in an underdeveloped place. Unlike the city of Lagos, I grew up in my hometown, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria. So, talking about studying music was strange.”

“They were like, you are going to die in poverty young lady.”

In the face of resistance, grooming to become a lawyer and hobnobbing between church choirs, Aghulor has gone on to achieve her dream of studying music, concretizing innate abilities with practical, academic knowledge and kickstarting a name-making trajectory in the industry – thanks to MTN Foundation’s relentless music scholarship scheme.

Speaking on her journey to becoming the best graduating student, Uche attributed her outstanding performance to her excellent spirit.

“Being average is not my thing. I don’t mean to be proud but if there’s something like excellence, why do I have to settle for good or okay. And this is not just academically: if I want to eat and there’s a better way to make the food, I would say, “why don’t I have it the best way rather than just manage the food? Or why don’t I use the best plate rather than the broken one?”

More so, it took a whole lot coming here. A lot of people told me, ‘stay back home and look for what to do with your life.’ So, was I trying to say to them that I would come here and still be lazy about it? No. For me, I still had a point to prove, which is the fact that I want this and I’m going to give it my all.”

Aghulor Uche also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to go through the MUSON School of Music.

She said, “I would always, always remember this act of kindness every day of my life. I would wake up 10, 15, or 20 years from now and tell anyone who cares to listen to me in any part of the world that I find myself, that in my sojourn, somebody somewhere was kind and good enough to pay for my tuition and allowance.”

MTN Foundation (MTNF) is currently accepting applicants for the MUSON scholarship program 2022.

The scholarship, currently in its 16th year, is an annual award that provides young talented and eligible Nigerians with an opportunity to study music for two years at the leading music academy in Nigeria, MUSON, for an internationally recognised Diploma in music on graduation.