David Jacob: The Maestro of Hope Orchestrating a Legacy in Music Education

History is not only about the past, it is also about the future. This is what comes to mind when Mr. David Jacob’s trajectory and practical contributions to the development of music as a tool for human development is in view. A renowned musician, mentor, publisher, educator, a passionate crusader for children’s music education and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Hope Waddell Society of Music, David Jacob’s remarkable journey into music is an inspiring blueprint for aspiring musicians across Cross River State and beyond.

Recalling his musical journey which began as a choirboy at his local church in Calabar, David had a growing passion for the piano. He pursued formal training at the prestigious Trinity School of Music in Calabar. There, he was mentored by two musical virtuosos Chief Ibok (the last name of Chief Ibok needs to be included for parallel structures) and Mr. Chibuike Onyesoh an experience that laid the foundation for what would become a legendary musical career.

In the year 2000, Mr. Jacob along with Dr. Philip Ephraim, Clement Ijighere and 3 other old boys of the Hope Waddell Training Institution founded in 1895, co-founded the Hope Waddell Society of Music (HOWASOM), a platform that has become central to music education and performance in Cross River State, Nigeria. HOWASOM’s maiden concert featured works from the Baroque and Classical eras to popular Efik compositions. Under his leadership as the President and later the Executive Director, the Society became a beacon of artistic excellence. His visionary work in advancing music education among young people laid the foundation for the establishment of a music department in the University of Calabar.

For over two decades, the Society thrived under the guidance of a distinguished board, including Professor Eka Braide, Prof Alexander Menkiti, Barr Efefiom Ekong (SAN), Dr Deborah Edide and Sir Immanuel O’neil to mention but a few. Mr. Jacob led the Society’s choir to several competitions, earning accolades such as 2nd place at the South-South Choral Competition held in Bayelsa State as well as the award the most the Best Creative Choir in South-South by the Guarantee Trust Bank of Nigeria.

In 2010, he organized the Society’s landmark 10th Anniversary Concert at the Channel View Hotels Calabar, which was chaired by then Governor Senator Liyel Imoke and also had in attendance State Excos. It was a unique night of classical and folk music renditions conducted by David Jacob and accompanied on the organ by Babajide Oyedeji one of
Nigeria’s finest organists and founder of Babijo Organ. It was indeed a night to remember and a shift in the music culture in the State. The event also featured awards to deserving individuals including His Excellency Mr. Donald Duke, former governor of Cross River State.

In addition to the yearly classical music concerts of the Society, he introduced signature events such as soiree – a lunch time with HOWAOM, Music talk show a youth empowerment series with Akomaye Ugar, and yearly vocal and sight reading training in staff notation for choirs in Cross River State in an effort to boost the quality of music in churches and advance music education . In addition, in a bold move to preserve the folksongs and language of the Efiks, Ibibios and the Qua people from extinction, he organised ‘Ekonke’- a folklore event that combines storytelling, dance, drama and music . This led to the publication of Ase, a compilation of original and arranged folk music of Cross River and Akwa Ibom people which he co-published with Isong Akpan. Under his leadership the Society established a school of music and organised music workshops that trained several teachers for schools in the South-South region of Nigeria.

David has actively mentored and guided the members of the Hope Waddell Society of Music to achieve great heights in music who have secured full funding for music programmes in Nigeria and internationally including but not limited to two MTN-MUSON diploma students, Clement Okon (Master’s in violin performance USA), Joseph Jacob (Diploma in Organ and Masters in progress from the Birmingham Conservatoire, United Kingdom. He has mentored more than 3,000 young people, designed outreach programs for street children, and used music education to reintegrate youth into
society while calling public attention to their stories and needs.

Among his many initiatives is the ‘Discovery Tones’” Talent Program, aimed at empowering children across Cross River State to read and understand music—not just perform by ear. His charitable programs and passion for youth music education have inspired a new generation of musicians in the region. During the Covid pandemic in 2020, while working in Qatar, he organised a virtual music competition for choirs in Nigeria in an attempt to encourage singing and empower young people and choirs in Nigeria. Winners were awarded with prizes to assist their choir and members during the pandemic.

A lifelong learner, Mr. Jacob holds a B.Ed in Education from the University of Calabar and a M.A. in Music from the University of Hull, UK graduating with a distinction. In recognition of his academic and professional achievements, he was awarded a scholarship to undertake a PhD in music education from the Pennsylvania State University. He was also awarded a STEAM fellow by the Department of Instruction (DPI) Wisconsin, a testament to his efforts in
developing young talents in creative art and technology. David Jacob is currently working as an Executive Liaison of GoodChoir an organization that is exploring the emerging field of integrative musical intervention —exploring the therapeutic effects of music on human well-being. He is leading the expansion program and training program of the organization under the leadership and mentorship of Prof Uche Chigbu.

David holds professional certifications from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) in piano performance, Trinity College London and MUSON. He is a proud member of the Society of Music Educators of Nigeria and the National association for Music Educators, USA. As an music educator and creative program developer with more than 20 years of experience, he has served in leadership roles within various music organizations across Nigeria, the UK, the UAE, and the USA, and contributed significantly to the global music education community. This has earned him numerous local and international awards and has had an impact on young people across international schools in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and the United States.

At the heart of his life’s work is a simple belief: Music has the power to unite, heal, and uplift—especially in communities faced with conflict, poverty, and neglect.

Mr. David Jacob is not just a musician—he is a musical statesman and an unsung hero whose influence resounds far beyond the concert hall. His legacy? A symphony of service, passion, and purpose echoing for generations to come.