Associate Professor of Theatre and Canada Research Chair in Socially Engaged Theatre at the University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, has been named a 2025 3M National Teaching Fellow.

The university’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Jeff Keshen, who made the disclosure in a statement on Tuesday, noted that he shared the news to members of the university community with immense pride.  According to his statement, “It is with immense pride that I share that Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Associate Professor of Theatre and Canada Research Chair in Socially Engaged Theatre at the University of Regina, has been named a 2025 3M National Teaching Fellow, “Canada’s most prestigious recognition of excellence in educational leadership and teaching” for post-secondary educators.’’

Stating that the 3M National Teaching Fellow is awarded by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and 3M Canada, the university’s president and vice chancellor explained that the award recognizes exceptional contributions to teaching and educational leadership. He added that Dr. Afolabi is one of just 10 educators nationwide to receive the honour in 2025.

Dr Keshen said, “Among his many contributions, Dr. Afolabi is a recognized leader in socially engaged theatre, with a global teaching footprint spanning five continents. He founded the Centre for Socially Engaged Theatre (C-SET), a hub for interdisciplinary learning and social transformation, and co-created the Arts Leadership Training Program (ALTP), which empowers BIPOC artists and arts managers in Canada. Dr. Afolabi is not only shaping the future of arts education but also building bridges across cultures and disciplines, both nationally and internationally. In partnership with the University of the Free State in South Africa, he has created new opportunities for students through joint doctoral program and in his faculty, he has developed a certificate and diploma in Arts Management and Leadership.’’

He further stated that through a hands-on, project-based approach grounded in real-world issues, Dr Afolabi inspires students to view theatre as a powerful tool for social change, adding “His impact extends far beyond the classroom, creating lasting change in the lives of his students and the broader community.’’

On behalf of the University of Regina, Dr Keshen also extended his warmest congratulations to Dr. Afolabi.