How an MTN Foundation Scholarship Helped Violinist Izuakolam Bright Earn Place At Berklee College of Music

A movie sparked Izuakolam Bright’s love for the violin. Years later, that moment of inspiration has taken him to one of the world’s most prestigious music institutions. Bright, a graduate of the MUSON School of Music and recipient of the MTN Foundation’s scholarship programme, has secured a full scholarship to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, United States, marking a major milestone in his musical journey.

Speaking at the MTN Foundation and the MUSON School of Music’s 19th Graduation Concert and Ceremony, Bright reflected on the role the Foundation played in making his dreams possible. “MTN has been of immense help to me. Sponsoring myself would have been impossible coming all the way from Abia State in South East Nigeria,” he said.

He added that the scholarship gave him the platform to grow as a musician and pursue opportunities he never imagined possible. “The MTN Foundation scholarship has given me a platform and a lot of exposure. I recently got a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music, Boston, U.S.,” he said.

For Bright, the journey is proof that talent, when matched with opportunity, can open doors to the global stage. His story also reflects the impact of the MTN Foundation’s long-standing partnership with the MUSON School of Music, which has continued to remove financial barriers for gifted young Nigerians while nurturing the next generation of professional musicians.

The Foundation is already extending that opportunity to a new generation of aspiring musicians. Applications for the 20th edition of the MTN Foundation MUSON Music Scholars Programme opened on July 20, 2026, and will close on August 23, 2026.

Speaking on the call for applications, Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, said the Foundation’s two-decade partnership with the MUSON School of Music highlights its commitment to developing young talent through education. “Twenty years is more than a milestone for us. It is evidence of what sustained investment in talent can achieve. When MTN Foundation and MUSON began this partnership in 2006, our ambition was to help ensure that talented young Nigerians were not prevented from pursuing professional music education because they lacked access or financial support.

“More than 500 young Nigerians have since benefited from the programme, receiving the training and opportunities to develop their talent and pursue careers in music. As we mark 20 years of this partnership, our focus is also on the future and the next generation of musicians who will shape Nigeria’s creative landscape. We remain committed to creating opportunities for them to learn, grow, and realise their potential.”

The scholarship covers tuition, books and approved course-related expenses for the duration of study at the MUSON School of Music. Eligible young Nigerians with a passion for music are encouraged to apply via mtn.ng/foundation/muson-2026.

As Bright prepares for the next chapter of his musical career in the United States, his story serves as a reminder that sometimes a single moment of inspiration can change the course of a lifetime, especially when it is matched with opportunity and the right support.