The University of Lagos has inaugurated the ‘D.K. Olukoya Organ Recital Hall’ and a newly installed concert organ at the Department of Music and Sound Production, with stakeholders describing the project as a major boost to music education and practical training in the country.
The facility was donated by the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr Daniel Olukoya Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of Mountain Top University, Prof. Elijah Ayolabi, who represented Olukoya, described the project as an investment in talent development, creativity and the future of music education.
According to him, students of the department had for years been compelled to seek organ practice and examinations outside the university due to the absence of an organ facility within the department.
“It was deeply touching to learn that for many years, students of this great department had to pursue organ studies and examinations outside the university due to the absence of an organ facility within the department. Such a situation naturally limits practical exposure, professional development and the full realisation of students’ potential in music performance and organ studies,” he said.
Ayolabi added that the recital hall would serve as a centre for learning, creativity, performance, research and innovation.
“Today, to the glory of God, we are not only unveiling a world-class concert organ but also dedicating a transformed recital hall that will serve as a centre for learning, creativity, performance, research, innovation and artistic excellence for many years to come,” he stated.
Ayolabi also urged students to maximise the opportunity presented by the facility.
“Great facilities produce great possibilities, but it is discipline, dedication, hard work and passion that produce greatness. Let this hall become a birthplace of exceptional musicians, composers, organists, researchers and globally celebrated creative minds,” he added.
The Head of the Department of Music and Sound Production, Prof Albert Oikelome, said the project would create new opportunities for students and attract collaborations from outside the university.
“There are many students interested in learning the organ, but they could not because there was no organ facility. With this organ here, it opens the door for young people to explore that possibility,” he said.
Oikelome noted that the new recital hall would also position the department for conferences, workshops, masterclasses and international collaborations.
“With this hall here, it opens the door for research and collaboration with people from outside our universities. When they know there is a place here where conferences, workshops and masterclasses can be held, it creates opportunities for the exchange of knowledge. This week, somebody is coming from Italy for a masterclass here,” he said.
Oikelome explained that the project began after some students approached him in December 2025 over the lack of an organ facility in the department.
“Some of the students met me and said we do not have an organ in the department, despite being music students. The organ is very expensive,” he said.
According to him, he subsequently contacted Olukoya for support.
“He called me in March and asked me to go and collect an organ. I did not know it was this big. He said it was a brand-new organ made in Italy and customised for the University of Lagos,” Oikelome added.
He said the donor also funded the renovation of the recital hall after seeing the poor condition of the facility.
“By the time it was brought here, this place was like a dumping site. I had to call him again, and he renovated and transformed the place into what it is today, hence the commissioning in his name,” Oikelome added.
Students of the department also expressed excitement over the development, saying the facility would improve practical learning and create career opportunities.
A student of the department, Falobi Gamaliel, said they usually rent facilities outside the university for practice and recitals.
“We usually pay to rent places outside the university, including churches and private homes, to use instruments for practice and recitals. But now we can come to the department to practise,” he said.
Gamaliel added that the organ would create opportunities for students interested in organ performance and professional music practice.
“It will create opportunities for people who have flair for the organ and also help those with little knowledge of it. It will definitely open up job opportunities for undergraduates who are skilled and want to develop themselves professionally,” the student said.
Another student, Onwufuju Nifemi, described the transformation of the recital hall as remarkable.
“We now have the opportunity to rehearse in the recital hall and conduct our examinations here. The environment is now conducive. Before, the air conditioners were not working, and the hall was always stuffy. It was really bad, but now the transformation is beautiful,” she said.
Nifemi added that the facility would make rehearsals and project preparations easier for students.
“When it is time for my special project, it is easier for me to call an organist to rehearse with instead of going outside to rent facilities or pay charges elsewhere,” she said.
An alumna of the department, Folodun Tosin, said many former students had to undergo extra training after graduation to acquire organ performance skills.
“A lot of us had to pay for training after school to learn how to properly use the organ and make a living from it. The hall is excellent, and the organ is truly a blessing to students,” she said.
The event featured classical organ presentations and a choral performance by the University of Lagos choir.
Among dignitaries present were the Associate Professor of Music Psychology, Dr Florence Ewomazino Nweke; Prof Funso Lesi, who represented the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola.
