Call for Applications: Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship 2026
Applications are now open for the Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship 2026.
The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, invites applications for this prestigious fellowship, which supports and celebrates literary voices engaged in the creative expression of Africa and its diaspora across all genres and forms.
Established in honour of the late Tejumola Olaniyan, a distinguished Nigerian scholar and renowned literary critic, the fellowship reflects his enduring legacy of intellectual rigor, creativity, and commitment to advancing African and African diaspora studies.
His work profoundly shaped critical literary discourse, and this fellowship continues that tradition by nurturing new narratives and creative excellence.
The fellowship aligns with The Africa Institute’s mission as a globally oriented centre for research, postgraduate studies, and critical engagement with Africa and its global connections.
Since its launch in Fall 2022, the programme has hosted acclaimed writers and scholars, fostering creative exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates—a vital hub of African-Arab cultural interaction.
Through this residency, The Africa Institute continues to advance innovative paradigms in African and African diaspora studies while offering fellows a dynamic environment for intellectual and artistic exploration.
Also Apply:Â Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) Scholars Program 2026 for Young Nigerians | Link to Apply
Benefits
- Total grant of AED 50,000 for the duration of the fellowship
- Monthly stipend of AED 10,000 per fellow
- Accommodation provided
- Return airfare ticket
- Visa support
Eligibility
- Open to both emerging and established creative writers
- Applicants must be actively working on a major literary project, such as:
- Novel
- Memoir
- Essays
- Poetry
- Film script
- Full-length play
- Applicants must have at least one published work (book, journal, or a recognized online platform)
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong record of creative literary excellence (awards, fellowships, or recognitions)
- A substantial creative portfolio
- Work focused on Africa and the African diaspora
- Innovative approaches to storytelling, form, or language
- Work that contributes to critical literary culture, scholarship, or public discourse
Also Apply:Â Call for Applications: SWIS EmpowHER Programme 2026 for Female STEM Students in Nigeria
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé
- One-page cover letter outlining motivation for applying
(Single-spaced, font size 12) - Two-page project statement (Single-spaced, font size 12), including:
- Project description
- Significance of the project
- Proposed timeline for completion
- Introduction to the writing sample and its relevance to the project
- One published writing sample or a sample of creative work
