Music Scholarship at Universities and the Relevance of the Industrial Training Scheme in Nigeria

Abstract

1 ne neea ror 1mprovea quauty ot schotarship for the development of a nation is the desire of individuals and societies. Either due to a dwindling economy or misplaced priorities, the education sectors of African nations have been under-funded and i11 equipped, music departments included. Consequently, the endeavours of academ­ ics and students in music scholarship have been adversely affected. However, the music industry sector for which skilled personnel is produced boasts of updated facilities for music composition, production, education, broadcasting, advertising, publishing, performance, and technology. These resource materials are remarkably advantageous to music scholarship, particularly if the Students Industrial Work Ex­ perience Scheme (SIWES) is introduced in the programme of studies at all African universities. Since 1996 the Deha State University, Abraka, Nigeria bas attached students to the music industry during long vacations. The experiment, coupled with effective supervision and reports on their experience, has achieved, amongst other intentions, a feed-back loop for research and curriculum development, and fostered an improved town and gown cooperation in musical practice. Exposure to possible job opportunities during this period has redefined students' and their benefactors' impression of music as an academic pursuit leading to improved academic per­ formance. lt ha:s also provided updated knowledge and skills, which hitherto were missing due to inadequate facilities in the Department.