Agatha Onyinye Ibeazor, a product of the MUSON School of Music, Onikan, Lagos sponsored by the MTN Foundation, has graduated with Magna Cum Laude, the equivalent of second class upper degree, from the prestigious Truman State University, one of the top ten universities in the Midwest of the United States of America. Ibeazor graduated from the MUSON School of Music in 2009, where she won first prize for singing.
Upon her graduation from the MUSON School of Music, she proceeded to teach music in Strauss School of Music, Maitama, for a few months after which she became freelance and taught music in a number of schools in Abuja for another two years. She later participated in a concert in Abuja, where her talent was discovered by Geir Henning Braatena, a prolific international Norwegian pianist, under whose tutelage she was for a month. Ibeazor was granted a full scholarship by NNPC, with which she paid for her course in Truman State University, Missouri, USA.
“I have always dreamt of singing in the opera and it had remained a dream until the generosity of MTN in paying my school fees at MUSON, where I was given the finest musical education. That dream has become reality as I begin my journey unto the world stage. MTN paid my school fees as well as provided funds for my books, transportation and supported me with a stipend as pocket money. Today, I am a proud graduate of Truman State University in the United States of America and my name is listed in the honour row. I was also presented with a silver medal,” enthused Ibeazor.
During the music honours recital in the school, Ibeazor was awarded the outstanding musicianship prize by the music department of Truman State University, where her name was listed in the departmental honour list for music. “I owe all this to the financial support I received from MTN and I am eternally grateful to them,” she said.
Akinwale Goodluck, Corporate Services Executive, MTN, said that the technology company is proud to be part of the success story of this talented Nigerian, for making her country proud. “Agatha has justified the introduction of MTNF/MUSON scholars programme which began in 2006 with the aim of giving opportunities and support to students with talent in music but lack the financial wherewithal to achieve their dreams.”
He added that, about 162 graduates have emerged from the programme and have either proceeded for further studies abroad or gone into music full time.
It would be recalled that three of the first set of students who graduated in June 2008 secured admission to the Department of Music, University of Dayton, Ohio, United States of America. These students graduated with honours in 2013. The three students – Olufemi
Ogebule, Ezeuko Anuli and Paul Ogunboye, became the first Africans to graduate with honours from the Department of Music of that University.
