Music expert warns, advises, beseeches Lagos and Nigeria

Shosanya

Shosanya Babatunde Oluwaseyi is a researcher, prolific writer, scholar, music educator, historian,

organist, former Head of Music at British International School, Lekki, Lagos; President, Fellowship of Organists; and current Head of Music, Greenoak lnternational School.

It’s unsurprising therefore that he’s very passionate about music education. His passion however is because of what Nigeria stands to benefit from a sound music education system.

According to him: “It’ll make Nigeria great, so Nigerian children must be encouraged to exhibit their talents even as they pursue academics. Music plays a significant role in this regard and is essential for our students. It should be available to them all in our public schools. According to Plato, music is a useful instrument for education because more than anything else, rhythm and harmony find their way into the innermost soul and take the strongest hold upon it.”

Gravely, he disclosed that “music education has disappeared in our public schools due to some stringent policies by the government.”

He then appealed to the Lagos State Government in particular through the Commissioner of Education, Mrs Folashade Adefisayo, that “music education is essential and it should be repositioned and made available to all students in Lagos public schools. The government should rethink through the Ministry of Education and commit and invest more funds and bring back music to the classrooms. Music education is an important aspect of children's education that must not be neglected by any government.”

He concluded that the “importance of music to any country cannot be undermined. Research has shown music education improves student academic success, listening skills, self-esteem, creativity, relieves stress, and instrument playing shapes the future of kids. The government should engage music educators to review our curriculum to focus on Nigeria popular music and traditional folk music.

“Former President, United States of America, Bill Clinton, once said ‘music is about communication, creativity and cooperation and by studying music in school, students have the opportunity to build on these skills, enrich their lives and experience the world from a new perspective.’"