No doubt, mainstream education in Nigeria grapples with many challenges. In some areas, even basic subjects as arithmetic, English language and the sciences lack qualified teachers, comprehensive funds, and complementary infrastructure. Be that as it may, the average student in a developed country is exposed to quality sports and computer education.

Even the less than average student stands a chance with a standard support system for children with special needs. Not so in Nigeria. Not so. The boom in the music industry is as a result of individual contributions, and when it comes to language education, charity begins and ends at home. These are other forgotten aspects of education the sector can no longer afford to overlook.

Off-key in Music Education

Although the Nigerian music industry is now a name to be reckoned with all over the world, it owes the education sector very little kudos. At the primary and secondary level, apart from high priced private schools, music education is largely untaught, or limited to theory.

Dr. Babatunde Sosan, the Acting Director, MUSON School of Music Lagos shared his concern about this aspect of education. He said; "One major concern I have about general music education is that teachers pay more attention to theoretical music education than to the practical aspect. Theory and practical should go hand in hand. But most times, teachers bombard students with a lot of information, and when the students come out, they are more or less half baked."

A lecturer at the Department of the Performing Arts, University of Ilorin, Dr. Austin Emielu, argued that Music education has not been given its proper place in the Nigerian educational system.

He said; "Music is an endangered subject in the school system: not compulsory at the primary and secondary levels; very few music teachers, poor facilities, few music departments and low students' enrollment due mostly to poor social perception of music as a discipline and life-time career. Another issue is the fact that music taught in the school system does not significantly appeal to the youths who are more drawn to popular music.

According to Emielu, "Music education in Nigeria like in many parts of Africa, has Christian roots because early schools were natural extensions of Christian missions. The Colonial government did not in any significant way, encourage music education in government schools. Consequently, only few schools offer music as a curricula subject and these schools are concentrated in the South were Christian Missionary activities had the greatest impact. There are hardly any music departments in the North possibly for this reason."