Music Education in Nigerian Schools: Structural Constraints, Policy Deficiencies, and Pathways for Educational Reform

Music education plays a significant role in cultural preservation, creativity development, talent cultivation, and national advancement. However, despite its recognised educational and socio-cultural value, music education in Nigeria has continued to experience persistent challenges that have adversely affected its growth and effectiveness at various levels of the educational system. This paper examines the structural, administrative, and policy-related challenges confronting music education in Nigerian schools and assesses their implications for sustainable educational and cultural development. The purpose of the study is to identify the major factors responsible for the declining status of music education in Nigeria and to propose strategies for its revitalisation. The study adopts a qualitative literature-based methodology involving the review and analysis of scholarly publications, government policy documents, curriculum reports, and contemporary discussions on music education in Nigeria and selected international contexts. Data were subjected to thematic analysis to identify recurring issues and best practices relevant to educational reform. The findings reveal that curriculum marginalisation, inadequate funding, poor infrastructural facilities, shortage of qualified music teachers, weak policy implementation, negative societal perceptions of music as a viable profession, and limited integration of digital technologies remain major impediments to effective music education. These issues have contributed to declining student participation, reduced opportunities for talent development, inadequate preservation of indigenous musical heritage, and limited preparedness of learners for engagement in the global creative economy. The study further demonstrates that countries such as South Africa and Finland have achieved greater success through policy consistency, sustained investment, specialist teacher training, and effective curriculum implementation. The implications of the findings suggest that strengthening music education can enhance cultural sustainability, promote creativity and innovation, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to national socio-economic development. The paper recommends curriculum reform, increased funding, recruitment of specialist teachers, technological modernisation, and stronger government commitment to policy implementation. It concludes that revitalising music education is essential for preserving Nigeria's cultural identity and fostering sustainable national development.