HARMONY IN DIVERSITY: MUSIC EDUCATION AS A CATALYST FOR SOCIAL COHESION IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper explores the potential of music education to enhance social cohesion in Nigeria's diverse society. In the face of ongoing ethno-religious conflicts and socio political divisions, both traditional and modern musical spaces serve as important educational channels for promoting unity and structural integration. Using social identity theory and culturally responsive teaching, the study develops a dual framework to examine how music education helps bridge cultural gaps. By analyzing various Nigerian musical genres—such as Yoruba Fuji, Igbo Ogene, Hausa Kentu, and contemporary Afrobeats—the paper shows how shared musical experiences foster empathy, collective memory, and intercultural understanding. It advocates for a decolonized and expanded national music curriculum that actively incorporates indigenous knowledge. Ultimately, music education is viewed not just as an artistic practice but as a vital socio-political tool supporting peace and national unity in Nigeria.