Restoring Nsukka Music School, 1970–1985

Abstract

During the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) was plundered and was restored thereafter. This paper is about how the Department of Music in the UNN Nsukka Music School (NMS) was restored following the war. Data for the study were obtained from alumni who were eye witnesses; data-bearing documents in NMS’s office; embedded experience as a student in the NMS between 1977 and 1982; and, relevant publications. The data were subjected to deductive analysis and sequenced to answer the research questions. Findings indicate that between 1970 and 1975, the Sowande Building (SB) was renovated; the pioneer staff re-enlisted, as other faculty were appointed and sponsored abroad for graduate studies; a modicum of teaching-learning facilities was provided; a new curriculum was produced; and another building was erected and extended to cope with growing student registration. By 1979, most NMS faculty on graduate studies had returned, the extant teaching-learning facilities were decrepit, and some were replaced. With the new facilities, more ensembles were formed and public performances increased. By 1985, NMS was the flagship in Nigeria’s higher music education.