Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers Fellowship 2025 Is Offering 50,000 AED Grant & Fully Funded Residency in UAE

Mercy Awofiranye

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The Africa Institute, Global Studies University invites applications for the Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship, a distinguished program that celebrates and supports literary voices engaged in the creative expression of Africa and its diaspora in all forms and genres. Apply below: 

When is the Application Deadline:

The application deadline is Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Tell Me About The Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers Fellowship:

The Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship, hosted by The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, is a prestigious program that supports and celebrates literary voices engaging with Africa and its diaspora across all genres. Established in honor of the late Tejumola Olaniyan, a distinguished Nigerian scholar and literary critic, the fellowship reflects his intellectual legacy and dedication to fostering new narratives in African and African diaspora studies. The residency takes place in Sharjah, UAE, an important hub of African-Arab cultural exchange, providing an environment for writers to advance their work in a dynamic, research-driven setting.

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Which Fields are Eligible?

The fellowship is open to creative writers working in various literary forms, including:

  • Novels
  • Short stories
  • Plays
  • Poetry
  • Film and theatre scripts

Type:

Fellowship 

Who can Apply for the Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers Fellowship?

The eligibility criteria include:

  • 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.

Required Documents:

The required documents include:

  • 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.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

All countries 

Where will the Award be Taken?

The Africa Institute in Sharjah, UAE.

How Many Awards?

3

What is the Benefit of the Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers Fellowship?

Each recipient will receive a grant of 50,000 AED for the duration of the fellowship. This amount includes:

  • Accommodation in Sharjah, UAE
  • A return airfare ticket
  • Visa
  • A monthly stipend of 10,000 AED per fellow

Additionally, fellows will have the opportunity to publish their work through The Africa Institute’s publications program, and projects related to theatre and film scripts may receive support for production.

How Long Will the Award Last?

3 months 

How to Apply:

  • To submit applications, compile all application materials; CV/résumé, two-page narrative and writing sample (in case of a book, please attach separately) into one single PDF in the mentioned order.
  • Please name the file with the residency title abbreviation and the applicant’s name in this format: OCWRP_LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME.pdf
  • Use the same name in the email subject heading and send the PDF as an email attachment to applications@theafricainstitute.org.

Visit the official application webpage to begin. 

Author

  • Mercy Awofiranye is a creative writer with over five years of experience. Currently, she specializes in creating helpful content for students in the education space. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, and learning new things.

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