Organizer Information
The Africa Institute – Global Studies University is a globally oriented research and postgraduate institution based in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. As a center dedicated to critical discourse on African studies, literary expression, and global connections, the Institute fosters scholarly research, creative exchange, and interdisciplinary engagement. It champions innovative programs that integrate African perspectives into global cultural dialogues and hosts residencies,
fellowships, publications, and academic events. One of its core missions is to nurture creative and intellectual work that amplifies African and African diaspora voices, engaging both artistic and scholarly communities worldwide.
Title & Description
Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers‑in‑Residence Fellowship
The Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers‑in‑Residence Fellowship is a prestigious three‑month residency program that invites
creative writers from around the world to engage deeply with literary projects that reflect or explore themes connected to Africa and the African diaspora. Established in honor of the late Nigerian literary scholar Tejumola Olaniyan, the fellowship celebrates his legacy of rigorous intellectual inquiry and creative innovation. The program welcomes applicants working in a wide range of literary forms—novels, memoirs, poetry, essays, full‑length plays, and scripts—who are ready to devote focused time and resources to developing meaningful creative work.
Fellows are immersed in a supportive environment in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, where they can pursue their
writing projects with the backing of institutional resources, mentorship opportunities, and publication support. In addition to financial support, the fellowship is structured to foster engagement with both local and international cultural networks, with opportunities for participants to publish their work or develop theatre and film projects beyond text form.
Categories
- Creative Writing
- Fellowship
- Residency
- Literary Arts
- Scriptwriting
- Poetry
- Novel/Prose
Eligibility
This fellowship is internationally open to both
emerging and established creative writers
whose work engages with Africa and the African diaspora. Applicants must:
- Be actively working on a major literary project (e.g., a novel, memoir, essays, poetry, theatre script, or full‑length play).
- Have at least one published work—whether a book, journal piece, or significant platform publication.
- Demonstrate a strong record of creative excellence or a substantial portfolio.
- Present a project that is feasible to complete during a three‑month residency period in Sharjah, UAE.
- Projects may be submitted in Arabic or English (other languages are also considered).
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected fellows receive the following comprehensive support:
- A total grant of 50,000 AED (~USD equivalent), inclusive of support and living expenses.
- A three‑month residency in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, including accommodation, visa sponsorship, and a monthly stipend of 10,000 AED.
- A return airfare ticket to and from Sharjah for the residency period.
- Access to The Africa Institute’s intellectual community and cultural networks.
- Opportunity to publish creative work through the Institute’s publications program.
- Additional support for projects related to theatre and film scripts, including possible facilitation of production or publication formats.
- Mentorship and peer engagement with a diverse cohort of literary creatives.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit the following materials:
- CV / Résumé detailing personal, publication, and professional history.
- A one‑page cover letter explaining motivation for applying to this residency (single‑spaced, size 12 font).
- A two‑page project statement that includes:
- Project description
- Significance of the project
- Proposed timeline for completion
- Introduction to the writing sample and its connection to the proposed creative work
- One published writing sample or a substantive sample of creative work.
- Application materials must not exceed 3 MB each.
- Applications are submitted via an online platform (do not send by email).
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 March 2026
- Residency Period: Three months (typically beginning in the fall of the year).
- Notification of Selection: Not specified on site (typically communicated after deadline via email or platform updates).
Location
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Additional Details
- The fellowship draws its inspiration from the academic and creative contributions of Tejumola Olaniyan, whose scholarly legacy spans African cultural studies, postcolonial theory, and diaspora narrative forms.
- Three recipients are selected each year based on the strength and feasibility of their proposed projects.
- Fellows may pursue new works or work‑in‑progress projects, provided they align with the cultural and thematic focus of the program.
