Meet our 2025 Fellows

The program, which honors the late Nigerian scholar and critic Tejumola Olaniyan, supports writers connected to Africa and the African diaspora. The fellowship offers a three-month residency in Sharjah, UAE, alongside mentorship and access to the Institute’s resources.

Mentorship, access to the Institute’s resources

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).