THE news of Mrs. Marion Akpata’s passing has reverberated deeply, as it should, bringing with it a profound sense of loss but also a compelling invitation to reflect on the very essence of living. Mrs. Akpata, for many, especially those whose lives she impacted directly, was more than an educator; she was a colossus and a trailblazer who illuminated every path she trod.
Marion Akpata had an extraordinary gift for teaching, simplifying the complex effortlessly. She epitomised a rare combination of qualities: kind and honest, dedicated and intellectual, yet firm and disciplined when the need arose. She had an incontrovertible impact on her students, leaving an indelible mark through her profound wisdom and unwavering commitment.
Mrs. Akpata’s passion and energy for education were insurmountable even after she retired from active teaching. This vibrancy led her to assume the role of Director of the MUSON School of Music. At the time, MUSON only offered informal instruction and certificate examinations at the basic school, while the highly anticipated Diploma school existed largely as a concept on paper. Many students who had earlier finished their Grade 8 had dreams of higher musical education that could not be realised within the institution.
On assumption of office as the Director of the school, she was very clear about the work to be done; the establishment of the diploma school was paramount. With her characteristic drive, she immediately set about transforming the vision into reality. She meticulously oversaw the development of the curriculum, conducted entrance examinations and auditions, and inexhaustibly pushed for the diploma school to commence operations. The next hurdle was securing the funds to support the tuition for 25 deserving students from diverse backgrounds who otherwise could not afford such an opportunity.
With her charismatic flair and unyielding determination, Mrs. Akpata launched out to search for scholarships for the first 25 students. She successfully got the MTN Foundation to support the first set of students and every other student who had passed through the course to date. This was how Marion and her associates got the MUSON Diploma School started in the year 2006, and the pioneer students, which included this writer, graduated in 2008, fully sponsored.
In 2010, the MUSON School choir was selected as the only choral group from Africa to perform at the World Conference of the International Society for Music Education in Beijing, China. In response to the beautiful performance, the Nigerian embassy invited the school choir back to China to perform in commemoration of Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary.
The legacy of her pioneering effort is evident today. The MUSON School has since produced an impressive array of scholars, musicians, musicologists, ethnomusicologists, musical theatre producers, directors, and composers. These accomplished individuals are now making significant contributions globally, many holding advanced degrees, including PhDs, and continuing to push the boundaries of musical excellence.
Mrs. Apata’s passion extended beyond the conventional institutional frameworks. She had a strong conviction and belief that every child, regardless of their social status, deserved access to quality music education. She walked this talk, going to extraordinary lengths, even taking children directly off the streets to give them access to quality music instruction. Many of these children are now well-known figures in academia and performance circles within Nigeria and on the international stage.
The seed that was sown by Marion has indeed blossomed, producing some of Nigeria’s finest talents across generations. Her legacy is etched in the memories of all those who passed through or interacted with her. Indeed, Mrs. Marion Akpata was a quintessential transformative leader and educator. Her commitment to nurturing the next generation of quality leaders for Nigeria was unwavering, and she saw music education as a powerful tool to achieve this. Her life serves as a profound testament to the power of purpose, leaving an indelible harmony that will resonate through the lives and generations she shaped and the institutions she built for many years to come.
“Akpata is versed in piano, theory, piano minor, methods and careers with 52 years in music education. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from the Crane School of Music of the State University of New York, Potsdam and a Master’s in Music (Performance) from Michigan State University. The American-trained musician and teacher first worked in Nigeria in Bukuru and Jos in 1966. She returned to New York where she taught music until being appointed principal of Idia College in Benin City in 1974. In 1976 she moved to Lagos and assumed duty as a music teacher at Queens College where she stayed for six years. She then moved on and opened her own studio, teaching piano and theory. From 1989 Akpata accompanied her husband on his UN assignments, teaching in Swaziland, Ghana and then back to UN headquarter in New York and resumed her teaching career there.” TheNiche 2014.
Ayo Ajayi
Composer, Musical Director and Cultural activist
MUSON graduate, 2008.
[email protected]