Dr. Ayokunmi Olaoluwa Crowned Nigeria’s Most Published Music Scholar

By African Art Times Editorial Board

Published: May 2025

In an inspiring celebration of academic brilliance and dedication to the advancement of music education, Dr. Ayokunmi Olaoluwa has been honored as Nigeria’s Most Published Music Scholar (2024–2025) by the Society of Music Educators of Nigeria (SOMEN). The prestigious recognition was awarded during the Annual General Meeting on the final day of SOMEN’s 20th National Conference, held at the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta, Ogun State. 

Dr. Olaoluwa’s distinction comes as the result of a nationwide call for scholarly submissions initiated months ahead of the event. Musicologists across Nigeria were invited to present their academic publications from the past year, and following thorough review, Dr. Olaoluwa emerged as the most prolific, reaffirming his status as one of the nation’s leading voices in music research and pedagogy.

The announcement was met with resounding applause from fellow scholars, researchers, lecturers, and practitioners, many of whom traveled from institutions across Nigeria to participate in the landmark gathering.

The award was sponsored by Dr Igbi and his wife and was presented by the newly appointed SOMEN President, Prof Funmi Odunuga

The Society of Music Educators of Nigeria (SOMEN), founded in 1999 and formally restructured in 2019, continues to lead the charge in the transformation of music education across Nigeria and West Africa. This year’s conference, held from May 13th to 17th, 2025, was a convergence of tradition, scholarship, and innovation.

The conference brought together a dynamic mix of professionals—university lecturers, military and paramilitary band leaders, cultural experts, and students; in a vibrant exchange of ideas, experiences, and forward-looking visions. SOMEN remains committed to raising the standard of music education across all levels—from primary to tertiary institutions—by fostering continuous professional development, research, and collaboration.

The theme of this year’s conference, “Artificial Intelligence (AI): Applications and Implications in Music Education,” resonated deeply with global trends and local realities. As AI increasingly redefines the ways music is composed, taught, and accessed, SOMEN opened the floor to thoughtful reflection and rigorous analysis.

Scholars and educators explored how AI tools can create adaptive, inclusive, and interactive learning environments, but also raised critical questions about equity, creativity, and the preservation of indigenous African music traditions.

“Will AI democratize access to quality music education or further widen the digital divide?” one panelist asked—a question echoed throughout many sessions.

The discussions didn’t stop at pedagogy; they extended to the ethical, cultural, and philosophical implications of handing over creative processes to machines. From curriculum design to research methods, AI’s potential benefits and risks were rigorously examined in a way that underscored SOMEN’s commitment to leading meaningful conversations in music education.

SOMEN’s impact continues to stretch beyond Nigeria’s borders. With growing participation from music professionals across West Africa, its conferences have become a regional intellectual hub where African scholarship engages global discourse.

This year’s event, enriched by thought leaders like Dr. Ayokunmi Olaoluwa, reinforced the society’s dual mission: to honor excellence and to anticipate the future of music education in an age of rapid transformation.

The recognition of Dr. Ayokunmi Olaoluwa as Nigeria’s most published music scholar is more than a personal achievement—it is a reminder of the importance of research, mentorship, and creative inquiry in shaping the future of African music and education.

As the echoes of choral performances, keynote lectures, and research presentations fade from the halls of Abeokuta, SOMEN’s message remains clear: Music education in Africa is not only alive—it is evolving.