A short history of music education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and its notable alumni (1961–2024)

Abstract

This article chronicles the pioneering work of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Department of Music (UNNDM), formerly the Fela  Sowande College of Music, in meeting Nigeria’s need for academically trained musicians, music scholars and music educators from 1961  to 2024. Relying on a combination of methodological approaches, including interviews, personal observations, archival records, a review  of audio-visual data and secondary sources, it examines the establishment and development of the UNNDM, with an emphasis on its  foremost staff members and the significant contributions of prominent alumni. It defines and categorises the history of the UNNDM in  the 20th and 21st century into two periods: the eras of autonomy and accountability respectively. The article presents the UNNDM as a  leading light in tertiary music education in Nigeria – one that implements a top-down national mandate. To remain impactful in the  quality assurance systems of music education in Nigerian universities, the UNNDM is encouraged to retain its autonomy in order to  advance its mission.