Tuesday, May 19, 2026, marked a significant milestone for the Department of Music and Sound Production, Faculty of Creative Arts, University of Lagos (UNILAG), with the commissioning of the D.K. Olukoya Recital Hall and Concert Organ.
The facility was donated by the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, as part of efforts to support music education and practical training at UNILAG.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Foluso Afolabi-Lesi who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, expressed appreciation to Dr. Olukoya for his continued commitment to educational development and scholarly advancement, particularly within the University.
Professor Afolabi-Lesi congratulated the Faculty of Creative Arts and the Department of Music and Sound Production on the new facility, and assured that the University would ensure the optimal use of the recital hall and concert organ for teaching, learning, research, and practical performances.
In his remarks, Dr. Olukoya, represented by the Vice-Chancellor of Mountain Top University, Professor Elijah Ayolabi, stated that the facilities were donated to support students of Music and Sound Production in organ studies, practical sessions, examinations, and musical performances.
He described music as a powerful tool capable of inspiring the soul, elevating the mind, preserving culture, and connecting humanity to deeper dimensions of creativity and spirituality.
Dr. Olukoya also commended the Faculty for its resilience and commitment to advancing music education despite longstanding challenges. According to him, the recital hall and concert organ represent an investment in talent, creativity, excellence, and future generations of musicians and scholars.
While appreciating the gesture of naming the recital hall after him, he called on both staff and students to make effective use of the facility.
“I strongly believe that this facility will significantly enhance practical training, concerts, examinations, recitals, collaborations, and international visibility for the Department and the University as a whole,” he stated.
In their separate remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Creative Arts, Professor Stephen Olusoji, and Head of the Department of Music and Sound Production, Professor Albert Oikelome, expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Olukoya for refurbishing the Department’s recital hall and donating the concert organ.
They noted that the facilities would greatly improve teaching, learning, and practical performances within the Department, eliminating the need for students to seek similar services outside the University.
The duo further described the philanthropic gesture as a challenge to alumni, corporate organisations, and friends of the University to actively invest in educational development and infrastructure support.
The newly refurbished recital hall and concert organ were formally commissioned by Professor Elijah Ayolabi on behalf of the donor, Dr. D.K. Olukoya, alongside members of the Faculty management team and Emeritus Professor Duro Oni, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services).
The ceremony also featured colourful musical performances by students of the Department of Music and Sound Production, adding artistic splendour to the memorable occasion.
Report: Afolabi Akinola
Photograph: Joshua Michael
