Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Nigerian-born Canadian theatre professor named 2025 3M National Teaching Fellow

Dr Keshen said Dr. Afolabi is one of just 10 educators nationwide to receive the honour in 2025.

• May 13, 2025
Dr Taiwo Afolabi
Taiwo Afolabi

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. 

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Yiaga Africa

States

Audit stolen PVCs before Osun governorship poll, Yiaga Africa tells INEC

Yiaga Africa said the disruption of PVC distribution and theft of voting materials posed a direct risk to the voting rights of affected residents in the state.

NEMA/UNICEF

States

NEMA, UNICEF strengthen emergency response in Gombe

NEMA and UNICEF strengthened emergency response through community engagement training in Gombe.

Trade Union Congress (TUC)

Economy

TUC backs private sector equity in refineries, rejects outright sale

Mr Osifo said the government should reduce its equity to 49 per cent and allow credible private investors with technical expertise to hold the remaining 51 per cent.

Africa

Obasanjo urges Africa to develop its own democracy model

He said the democratic model adopted by African countries lacked sufficient African context and often failed to meet the continent’s needs.

Trading floor

Economy

Stock market reverses gains as investors lose N1.17 trillion amid sell-offs

Market capitalisation fell by 0.73 per cent from N160.421 trillion to N159.255 trillion, while the All-Share Index (ASI) shed 1,806.18 points to close at 246,723.57.