Associate Professor of 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, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that he shared the news with members of the university community with immense pride.

“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 2025 3M National Teaching Fellow, Canada’s most prestigious recognition of excellence in educational leadership and teaching” for post-secondary educators.’’ the statement reads.

He added 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 recognises 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.

“Among his many contributions, Dr Afolabi is a recognised 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.

He 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 a joint doctoral program and in his faculty, he has developed a certificate and diploma in Arts Management and Leadership.’’ Dr Keshen said.

He stated that Afolabi inspires students to view theatre as a powerful tool for social change, adding that his impact extends far beyond the classroom, creating lasting change in the lives of his students and the broader community.

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

[Guardian]