NISMCAA Volunteer Course

Volunteer with NISMCAA

Help bring music, learning and school communities together, including children with special needs.

NISMCAA Volunteer Course

Read all twelve orientation lessons and the seven Child Care & Protection lessons.

Application and placement

Submitting this application expresses interest in volunteering. Provide an accurate personal profile explaining your experience, motivation, and suitability. NISMCAA reviews your profile and photograph and confirms the event, role, responsibilities, and schedule before a volunteer takes part. An application alone is not an appointment.

Conduct and safeguarding

Treat students, families, schools, staff, and other volunteers respectfully. Follow the event coordinator’s instructions, safeguarding arrangements, supervision requirements, and assigned duties. Volunteer approval and an ID card do not authorize unsupervised access to children. Do not arrange unauthorized private contact with students, take children away from their designated supervisors, or use a volunteer role to seek personal benefits. Report safety or safeguarding concerns promptly to the designated event lead.

Commitment, loyalty, and conflicts of interest

Volunteers must support NISMCAA’s mission and legitimate interests in good faith, act honestly and responsibly, disclose conflicts of interest, and follow lawful instructions within their assigned role. Do not knowingly misrepresent the organization, obstruct its authorized activities, misuse its name, logo, ID, funds, or resources, or act for personal gain. Applicants must separately acknowledge the Volunteer Commitment and Loyalty Pledge. Good-faith safeguarding reports, lawful disclosures, cooperation with authorities, and legal rights remain protected.

No collections or personal benefits

Volunteers must not request, solicit, collect, or accept money, gifts, tips, or personal benefits from students, parents, schools, or participants. Volunteers must not receive registration fees or donations into personal accounts or collect cash on behalf of NISMCAA. Direct all payments and donations to NISMCAA’s official payment channels. Report attempted collections or requests for personal benefits to the event lead.

Breaches and legal consequences

NISMCAA may immediately suspend a volunteer’s duties and event access while investigating suspected unauthorized collections, misconduct, or safeguarding concerns. A substantiated breach may result in removal from the role, withdrawal of approval, revocation of the volunteer ID, and exclusion from future volunteering. The volunteer may be required to return improperly collected money or property and may face lawful civil recovery proceedings for proven loss. Suspected fraud, extortion, theft, misappropriation, or harm to a child may be referred to the police or other competent authorities for investigation and, where applicable, prosecution under the law of the country in which the conduct occurs. Any criminal liability, fine, or sentence is determined by the competent authorities and courts, not by NISMCAA. The volunteer will be given an opportunity to respond where appropriate, without delaying protective action or any legally required report.

Confidentiality and media

Keep participant records and private information confidential. Use only approved channels for event communication. Do not publish student photographs, recordings, or personal information without NISMCAA authorization and the required permissions.

Attendance and responsibilities

Provide accurate application details, communicate your availability, and notify the coordinator if you cannot attend. Follow venue rules and report incidents promptly. Role-specific instructions and the named event contact will be provided before participation.

Certificate of participation

Volunteers who take part in the event will receive a certificate of participation at the end of the event. Submitting an application alone does not qualify for a certificate.

Photograph and volunteer ID

Upload a clear, recent photograph of yourself for application review and identification. On administrator approval, NISMCAA issues a unique volunteer ID number and a printable card with your name, photograph, NISMCAA logo, and event or program. Your photograph is private unless you separately agree to public directory publication; your card remains private to you and authorized administrators. The card identifies an approved volunteer; it does not grant unrestricted access to students, private records, or restricted event areas.

Application privacy

Your application and contact details are used to review your suitability and coordinate volunteering. They are available to authorized NISMCAA administrators. Contact details, ID cards and private suitability information are not published.

Volunteer Commitment and Loyalty Pledge

I acknowledge NISMCAA’s mission and pledge to serve the organization faithfully, honestly, and responsibly within my assigned volunteer role. I will act in NISMCAA’s legitimate interests, protect the welfare and dignity of children, respect confidential information, follow lawful instructions, and disclose conflicts of interest. I will not knowingly misrepresent NISMCAA, obstruct its authorized activities, misuse its name, logo, ID, funds, or resources, or use my position for personal benefit. I will not request or accept money, gifts, tips, or personal benefits from participants. I will promptly report safety concerns or suspected wrongdoing. This pledge does not restrict good-faith safeguarding reports, lawful disclosures, cooperation with authorities, or the exercise of legal rights.

Reading this course or completing the practice quiz does not appoint you as a volunteer, confirm screening or grant access to children.

NISMCAA Orientation Course

Twelve approved lessons for volunteers and recruits

6 October 2026

Public course materials

This course is open to everyone. NISMCAA retains ownership of its course materials. Studying this course or using the practice questions does not constitute screening, appointment or permission to work with children.

Lesson 1: What is NISMCAA?

NISMCAA stands for National Inter-School Music Competition & Academic Award. It brings schools together around two connected activities: a music competition for students and academic awards that recognize educational achievement.

Students have opportunities to create, practise, collaborate and express themselves through music. Schools also celebrate the effort and achievement that happen in the classroom. For NISMCAA, the stage and the classroom belong in the same conversation. Musical talent deserves encouragement, and academic achievement deserves recognition.

Our mission: Enhancing academic excellence using music as a tool.

Our vision: Impacting academics through music.

Remember: NISMCAA supports both music and learning. You should clearly explain these two parts of the project.

Lesson 2: The Music Competition and Academic Awards

School group competition

Every student must be enrolled in the school they represent, and the school must verify enrolment. Schools must follow the official submission arrangements confirmed by NISMCAA, provide accurate information, obtain required student and parent or guardian permissions, and have an authorised representative review and accept the terms.

School group presentations must:

• Include no more than 30 pupils on stage, counting singers, instrumentalists and dancers.
• Last no more than 10 minutes.
• Include singing and live instrumentation on the assigned theme.
• Use original student songs and performances, with instruments played live by students.

Copyright songs, loops, prerecorded beats, backing tracks and external performance aids are prohibited.

A jury reviews eligible schools, and the Secretariat confirms selection of 8–10 schools for the finals. Eligibility does not automatically secure a final-stage place.

Individual competition

Individual contestants present vocal or instrumental solos. They must be enrolled in their represented school, complete registration before the deadline, provide accurate information, obtain required permissions and follow the accepted category rules. The qualifying video must not exceed 10 minutes.

Originality is strongly encouraged. Individuals may perform covers or copyrighted presentations, but the student and school are responsible for required permissions, licences and copyright liability. NISMCAA does not grant permission to use another person’s work.

Eligibility and conduct

The music competition currently focuses on secondary schools. There is no age limit, but students must be enrolled in their represented school. Primary schools may register a profile and interest in music programmes; their music entry arrangements will be announced separately. Academic award nominations also include primary schools and tertiary institutions, as explained in Lesson 5.

Contestants must behave respectfully and show good sportsmanship. Cheating, plagiarism and unethical conduct are prohibited. Suspected breaches may lead to an integrity review. Academic awards separately recognize educational achievement.

Remember: School groups must present original student work with live instrumentation. Individuals have different copyright rules. All entrants must register and follow their category rules.

Lesson 3: How NISMCAA Began

NISMCAA was founded in 2009 by Olushola Adebowale, professionally known as MC Confess, to give students a platform to showcase their musical talents.

The Academic Award was added in 2012 to enhance and reward students’ academic excellence while recognising teachers’ efforts and schools’ contributions.

Winning schools by edition

Our alumni

NISMCAA has provided a platform for students to showcase their talents and develop as musicians.

Michael Olusegun led Honeyland College to its first victory in the fourth edition and received the Student of the Year award, as confirmed by the founder. He has continued his career as a musician.

Elias Fatade, a former student of Ronik Comprehensive School, won the individual category in the fourth edition. The founder confirmed that he received a scholarship courtesy of Dr Tee Mac.

Remember: The project began with music and later added academic recognition. Both support its mission.

Lesson 4: Understanding the Annual Theme

Each year, schools receive a specific theme and compose an original song for presentation. The themes address:

• Critical challenges facing young people.
• Teenage pregnancy.
• Youth and crime.
• Societal issues.
• National and patriotic messages.

The purpose is to help students express ideas, raise awareness and share positive messages. National and patriotic themes encourage students to believe in their country and contribute to its future.

Themes Used So Far

• Stop Corruption.
• No to Drug Abuse.
• Stop Abduction in Nigeria.
• Nigeria at Fifty, Patriotism and Nation Building.

Students use their songs to explain the issue and share ideas for positive change.

Preliminary and final themes

Schools receive a first theme for preliminary assessment by the jury. All elimination rounds take place online. Only the best schools selected for the final receive the main annual theme. They compose a song on that theme and present it live at the finals venue.

Remember: The song must address the assigned theme. Its message is an important part of the presentation.

Lesson 5: Understanding the Academic Awards

NISMCAA’s academic awards are like the “Grammy of schools”—recognising and celebrating excellence in education through nominations and awards. Schools nominate eligible candidates and submit evidence. The jury reviews nominations and selects award recipients. These awards are separate from the music competition.

Three academic award categories

• Students Category: for example, Best Student in Mathematics.
• Teachers Category: for example, Best Teacher in Music.
• School Category: for example, Best School in English.

Honorary awards also recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions to national development through their work for children.

Student subject awards

The website lists Best Student in Mathematics, Music, Science & Technology, and English. Student nominees must be registered at their represented school, have achievements verified by a school representative and have required student and parent or guardian permissions. There is no age limit. Entry is free, with a separate nomination for each subject or award category.

Education levels

Academic award participation includes primary schools, secondary schools and tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

The three categories remain students, teachers or lecturers, and schools or institutions. Tertiary student assessments must match the nominee’s course, year of study and nominated subject.

Academic award process

Read the published criteria, prepare nomination details and supporting evidence, and obtain the required permissions. Download the public entry form and contact NISMCAA for current submission arrangements. Online submission and assessment records are not available on this public website.

Student nominee test

Primary and secondary students answer ten questions matching their class and nominated subject. The school representative opens the test through the submitted nomination, with the named student present and ready.

NISMCAA considers the accuracy of the answers and how quickly the student completes the task. The timer starts when the student presses “Start.” The website records the score and elapsed time for administrator review. Correct answers remain available only to authorised administrators.

Students should work carefully and independently. Younger pupils may receive neutral help reading questions, without hints or answers. Tell NISMCAA about reading support, accessibility needs or interruptions that affect completion time. The timer continues during interruptions; reopening the same test does not reset it.

Tertiary nominations are accepted, but their tests remain pending until suitable questions for the nominee’s course and year are available. No academic nominee pass mark or percentage weighting for completion speed has been set. Do not apply the volunteer test’s passing score or retake rules to academic nominees.

Supporting evidence

Explain the achievement and include work samples, projects, results, certificates or a teacher’s explanation. Academic nominations do not require a theme, song composition or music performance.

Public audience votes do not replace jury assessment.

Confirmed prizes in Nigeria

Each academic award category winner receives a NISMCAA award and a cash prize of ₦100,000. The music competition has the following cash prizes:

NISMCAA may review cash prizes upward if credible sponsorship is secured. Any increase will be officially announced. Volunteers must communicate the confirmed prizes and must not promise an unannounced increase.

Recognising teachers and schools

Teachers help students develop their knowledge and talents. Schools provide opportunities to learn, practise and achieve. The Academic Award celebrates students’ academic excellence while recognising teachers’ efforts and schools’ contributions.

Remember: A nomination is consideration for an award, not an automatic win. Evidence should be verifiable.

Lesson 6: How Schools Register and Submit Entries

Read the participation guide and entry rules. Download the fillable entry form, prepare the correct category details and obtain the required permissions. Contact NISMCAA at info@nismcaa.com for current submission arrangements. Downloading or completing a form does not confirm an entry. The public website does not process submissions, uploads, entry payments or tracking. Do not email confidential child records.

Lesson 7: Volunteer Responsibilities and Conduct

An application does not automatically make you a volunteer. NISMCAA reviews your profile and photograph, then confirms your role, responsibilities and schedule. Read and accept the Volunteer Terms and Commitment and Loyalty Pledge.

Follow the coordinator’s instructions and assigned duties. Treat everyone respectfully, notify the coordinator if you cannot attend, report incidents and concerns promptly, and declare conflicts of interest.

Approval or an ID does not permit unsupervised access to children. Do not arrange unauthorised private contact or take students away from their supervisors.

Do not request or accept money, gifts, tips or personal benefits from participants. Do not collect cash for NISMCAA or receive fees or donations into a personal account. Direct payments to official channels.

Keep participant records private and use approved communication channels. Do not publish student photographs, recordings or personal information without authorisation and required permissions.

Approved volunteers receive an event-specific ID. It expires when that event ends and does not grant unrestricted access.

Remember: Support the event, protect students and follow your assigned responsibilities. Do not use volunteering for personal gain.

Lesson 8: Protecting Students and Reporting Concerns

Respect students’ safety, dignity and privacy. Follow safeguarding and supervision arrangements. Do not arrange unauthorised private contact or remove students from their supervisors. An ID does not authorise unsupervised access to children.

Schools must obtain required student and parent or guardian permissions. Participation permission differs from permission to publish photographs, recordings or profiles. Do not publicly share personal contact details, home addresses, dates of birth or confidential school records. Publication requires NISMCAA authorisation and appropriate permissions. Report safety or safeguarding concerns promptly to the designated event lead. The website states that the named safeguarding contact and confidential reporting channel await publication. Until announced, students should raise concerns with a parent, guardian or designated school safeguarding lead.

Remember: Protect students and keep private information confidential. The website is not an emergency service.

Lesson 9: Fair Competition and Result Reviews

Schools and students must compete honestly and follow the rules. Cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation, prohibited performance aids and other material breaches are prohibited. For a suspected breach, the school representative should prepare the entry reference, factual explanation and supporting evidence for the Secretariat. Keep student records private. NISMCAA may review results before or after announcements or prize awards. The affected school or student is informed of allegations and given a reasonable opportunity to respond. A result or award may be withheld during review.

If a breach is established, NISMCAA may disqualify an entry, cancel or amend results, withdraw titles or awards, require prize returns and reallocate placements or awards. Decisions and reasons are communicated in writing.

Remember: “Judges’ decisions are final” does not prevent an authorised integrity review. A public vote or general enquiry does not automatically begin a formal review.

Lesson 10: Public Voting and Official Awards

Approved academic profiles allow public voting. Previously published vote totals remain visible on approved profiles. New voting and profile submissions are not available on this public website.

Votes are separate from academic jury assessment. A high total does not automatically make someone an official academic award winner.

Music People’s Choice has its own opening and closing periods. Results appear after the contest closes. Audience awards or prizes must be confirmed before being promised.

Remember: Public voting allows audience participation. Academic awards are determined through jury assessment.

Lesson 11: Understanding Judges’ Scores

Music competition

Judges use these criteria and must declare conflicts of interest before scoring.

Academic awards

Academic assessment concerns the nomination and evidence. Public votes do not replace it.

Remember: Judges use published criteria. The Secretariat checks music eligibility and confirms finals selection. A separate judges’ course will explain scoring in greater detail.

Lesson 12: Volunteer Recognition and Opportunities

Volunteers who take part receive a certificate of participation at the end of the event. Applying alone does not qualify someone for a certificate.

NISMCAA will motivate and support volunteers from time to time according to available resources.

Volunteers may have opportunities to travel locally and internationally at the organisers’ expense when selected for an authorised assignment. Travel is an opportunity, not an automatic entitlement.

An ID expires when its named event ends. Another event requires a new application, review and event-specific ID.

Remember: Recognition, support and travel opportunities depend on participation, available resources and organisational assignments.

Child Care & Protection

Seven lessons for everyone supporting children at NISMCAA.

Lesson 1: Our duty to children

NISMCAA works with children, so every volunteer’s first duty is the child’s safety and wellbeing. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If in doubt, report.

Lesson 2: Safe conduct (the golden rules)

• Never be alone with a child out of sight of other adults; stay in open, visible areas.
• Don’t share your personal phone number or social media with children; all contact goes through official NISMCAA channels.
• Don’t give personal gifts or money to a child.
• Take photos or videos of children only when officially assigned by NISMCAA, and only where consent is on file. Never post them on personal accounts.
• Use kind, respectful language. Never shout at, humiliate or physically punish a child. Involve your supervisor if behaviour needs correcting.
• No inappropriate touching, jokes or comments. Appropriate contact means a handshake or high-five in public view, or helping a child who is hurt.

Lesson 3: Caring for children at events

• Know your assigned children/school and do regular headcounts.
• Lost or upset child: stay with them in a public place and alert NISMCAA staff or security immediately. Never take a child to your car or home.
• Release children only to the authorised parent, guardian or school representative on the list. Check ID if unsure.
• Look after basic needs: water, rest, toilet breaks (in pairs or with a same-gender chaperone, never alone with a volunteer), and food and allergy awareness.
• First aid: know where the first-aid point is and call the medical team. Don’t give medicine yourself.
• Know the emergency and evacuation plan for the venue.

Lesson 4: Recognising signs of abuse or neglect

Possible signs: unexplained injuries, sudden fear of a particular adult, withdrawal or big changes in behaviour, poor hygiene or hunger, or a child saying something worrying. Signs are not proof, but they must always be reported.

Lesson 5: When a child tells you something (disclosure)

• Stay calm, listen and believe them. Don’t ask leading questions.
• Never promise to keep it a secret. Explain that you must tell someone who can help.
• Write down what they said in their own words, with the date and time.
• Report to the NISMCAA Safeguarding Lead the same day. Don’t confront the person involved, and don’t post about it.

Lesson 6: Reporting concerns about adults

If you see any adult (staff, volunteer, parent or visitor, even someone senior) behaving inappropriately with a child, report it immediately to the Safeguarding Lead. Reports are taken seriously and handled confidentially.

Lesson 7: Data, photos and privacy

Children’s names, photos and details are confidential. Don’t share them outside official NISMCAA use. Follow the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

The 5 things to always remember

• Stay visible
• No private contact
• Report every concern
• Release children only to authorised adults
• Be kind and never use physical punishment