ABEOKUTA- Society of Music Educators of Nigeria (SOMEN) have joined forces to bridge the gap in music careers education to develop a unified and uniform system for music education.
This was disclosed by experts in the field during their 20th annual conference, held on Wednesday at the Federal College of Education Osiele, Abeokuta, bringing together music educators, experts, practitioners, and enthusiasts from across the country.
Delivering the keynote address at the conference, on the theme: Artificial Intelligence(AI) Application and Implication in Music Education; Professor Peter Okebukola, affirmed that Artificial Intelligence, though a machine but not a magic, explaining that it works on what humans processed and follow instructions, which are called algorithms entity, that’s the computer.
He boasted that AI artificial intelligence, if properly used, can help attract and retain more students for music and to pursue careers in it.
He posited that music education historically relied on human instruction, tactile engagement, and all learning, but the advent of technology has been a support and enhancement of music learning experiences. “AI technologies become more accessible and sophisticated, music educators and learners exploring how to harness their potential.”
He concluded that “AI will not replace humans, but serve as a supplementary tool, offering personalised practice while you focus on artistic development by balancing technological advancements with human mentorship. Music educators and teachers can harness AI’s power to cultivate the next generation of musicians. ”
Addressing the journalists at the conference, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Ifeoluwa Olorunsogo disclosed that the conference aimed to share ideas, discuss trends, and chart a new course for music education in Nigeria.
He posited that the current trends of artificial intelligence in the world of technology needed to be included in music education, while its potential must be harnessed.
He pointed out that the conference will ensure that it comes up with a curriculum that meets the challenges of the programme in Nigeria.
He said, “We created a forum where we can talk about the development that is going on in the world. For instance we have artificial intelligence it is the latest development of technology all over the world now, and every tendencies toward, artificial intelligence, and there is no how we can continue implementing programmes without ensuring that we key in to the latest issue that has to do with that area, and that is the reason why the theme of this conference is “Artificial intelligence as its affecting and implications music education in Nigeria”
“If we don’t move on with the current challenge, especially technology, we will be left behind, so we are going to see how to be creating and Innovative to utilise the concept in the delivery and also those who are at the scholarly level will assist in the research level and all. We created a forum where we can talk about the development that is going on in the world, and ensure that we key in to the latest issue that has to do with technology,” he submitted.
In her submission, Dr. Debrah Temisan-Lawal disclosed that there has been an increasing number of students enrolling in tertiary institutions for music, adding that there is a need for collaboration among music educators and practitioners to promote multi-disciplinary research and international recognition.
Dr. Temisan-Lawal commended the influence of music practitioners like Davido, Ebenezer Obey, who hadn’t only relied on talent alone, but also pursued their career with a basic education in music.
She said, “We want the world to know what we are doing in Nigeria as a music society. Yes, there is a significant of improvement on the numbers of students coming to the music department in various institutions, the reason is this, you see the likes of Davido, Ebenezer Obey other practicing musicians, when go through the citation of Davido he has to go back to school to study; that is a point that even though you have the talent, you still need to be schooled to understand some basic and foundation before you can build on it. We have more students saying that they want to get the basics, they want to get the foundation, so that their talent can be better appreciated and better utilized.”
“So yes, what Davido is doing, Pastor Olukoya is doing, Baba Obey is doing, and other people are actually sparking more students’ registration into our departments.”
Meanwhile, the Provost of the school, Dr. Adekola Soyele commended the effort of SOMEN.
He assured them of maximum support and ensured that they had an enabling environment to thrive.
The conference was declared open by Dr. Alex Eyengho, Chairman, 8th College Governing Council.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards. of the event was the presentation of awards.
