Creative writers who are into the creative expression of Africa and its diaspora, the Africa Institute, Global Studies University is inviting you to participate in the Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship. This distinguished program celebrates and supports literary voices who are engaged in the creative expression of Africa and its diaspora in all forms.

The fellowship was established in honor of the late Nigerian scholar, Tejumola Olaniyan who was a renowned literary critic whose work profoundly shaped African and African diaspora studies. This fellowship reflects his legacy of intellectual rigor, creativity, and commitment to fostering new narratives. It also aligns with The Africa Institute’s mission as a globally oriented center dedicated to research, postgraduate studies, and critical discourse on Africa and its worldwide connections.

Tejumola Olaniyan was a Nigerian academic, the Louise Durham Mead Professor of English and African Cultural Studies, and the Wole Soyinka Professor of the Humanities at the University of Wisconsin. Olaniyan earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Ife in Nigeria and completed a second master’s degree as well as a Ph.D. at Cornell University.

Eligibility Criteria

• The fellowship is open to both emerging and well-established creative writers.
• A strong record of creative literary excellence, including awards, fellowships, or other forms of recognition.
• Applicants must be actively working on a major literary project (a novel, memoir, collection of essays or poetry, film script, or a full-length play).
• Applicants must have at least one published work (book, journal, or significant online platform) or a substantial portfolio demonstrating their commitment to writing.
• Applicants working on themes related to Africa and the African diaspora are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Priority will be given to applicants who employ innovative approaches to storytelling, form, or language are given priority.
• Priority will be given to applicants whose work shows potential to contribute to critical literary culture, scholarship, or public discourse are given preference.

Requirements

• CV/résumé of the applicant
• A two-page summary (single space, font 12) of the project to be undertaken during the residency period, its significance, and a proposed date of completion.
• One sample of published or unpublished writings and/or creative work to be evaluated.

Benefits

Participants will be given a grant of 50,000 AED in total for the duration of the fellowship, which is inclusive of accommodation, a return fare ticket, visa and the monthly stipend of 10,000 AED per month per fellow.

Application Deadline: April 17, 2025

For more details and to apply, kindly visit the official website of the Africa Institute Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship.