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3RD FACULTY OF ARTS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI LECTURE HIGHLIGHTS VALUE OF FORMAL MUSIC EDUCATION

 By Oyewoade Isaac 



On the 2nd of July 2026, the Faculty of Arts held its 3rd Faculty Distinguished Alumni Lecture titled "Versatility of Formal Education in Music," delivered by Lanre Delano.

The event also witnessed the announcement of the donation of two Allen organs worth about ₦25 million by the guest lecturer and renewed calls for improved infrastructure within the Faculty.

The programme began with a musical presentation by the Department of Music, followed by the recognition of dignitaries, including the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, and other invited guests. The National Anthem and the university anthem were subsequently rendered.

Delivering the welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Gbenga Fasiku, appreciated the Faculty's alumni for their continued support and disclosed that Mr. Delano had donated two Allen organs to the Department of Music. The Dean also highlighted the Faculty's infrastructural challenges, noting that increasing student enrolment and the recruitment of new staff had created a shortage of office space. He appealed for the completion of Humanities Block 4, the provision of a bus for field trips and research activities, and a befitting official vehicle for the Dean's office. Professor Fasiku further thanked the Vice-Chancellor for approving a parcel of land for a proposed building project within the Faculty.

In his goodwill message, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed and recognized everyone present at the occasion. Professor Simeon Bamire further stated that there is a need for more facilities and office space for staff. After addressing and appreciating everyone present, he formally declared the event open.

The Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Femi Agbaje, also urged participants to embrace Artificial Intelligence as a tool for solving contemporary challenges. Following the reading of his citation, Mr. Lanre Delano delivered his lecture, reflecting on his personal journey and the transformative role of formal education in his career.

"My journey didn't begin in a grand cathedral or a university lecture room; it began in a home filled with the sound of six children,"* he said. He explained that his decision to complete his School Certificate in 1975 stemmed from his realization that formal education would provide him with qualifications and employment opportunities. Speaking on the theme of the lecture, Delano described music as a versatile discipline with connections to architecture, engineering, technology, research, entertainment, science, arts administration, marketing, and the profession of an impresario.

Drawing from his personal experiences, he noted that his university education exposed him to numerous fields and helped him understand the business dimension of music. He also highlighted the achievements of several musicians and organists whose careers demonstrate the opportunities available through formal music education.

Concluding his lecture, Delano revealed that the principals of the Allen Organs Company had pledged their support for the establishment of a School of Organ Studies and Music Studies. The event later featured another musical presentation by the Department of Music, as well as interludes by the Departments of Dramatic Arts and Linguistics and African Languages.The event concluded with the presentation of awards and a vote of thanks.

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