Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Associate Professor of Theatre and Canada Research Chair in Socially Engaged Theatre at the University of Regina, Saskatchewan, has been named a 2025 3M National Teaching Fellow.
The University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr Jeff Keshen, who disclosed the news in a statement on Tuesday, noted that he shared it with 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 2025 3M National Teaching Fellow, “Canada’s most prestigious recognition of excellence in educational leadership and teaching” for post-secondary educators.”
Stating that the Society awards the 3M National Teaching Fellow 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.
Dr. Keshen stated that Dr. Taiwo Afolabi was a recognised leader in socially engaged theatre, with a global teaching presence spanning five continents. He noted that Dr. Afolabi had founded the Centre for Socially Engaged Theatre (C-SET), which serves as a hub for interdisciplinary learning and social transformation. Additionally, he co-created the Arts Leadership Training Program (ALTP) to empower BIPOC artists and arts managers in Canada.
According to Dr. Keshen, Dr. Afolabi was not only shaping the future of arts education but also building bridges across cultures and disciplines, both nationally and internationally. He added that Dr Afolabi had created new student opportunities through a joint doctoral program in partnership with the University of the Free State in South Africa. He also developed a certificate and diploma in Arts Management and Leadership within his faculty.
He further noted that Dr. Afolabi inspires students to view theatre as a powerful vehicle for social change, employing a hands-on, project-based approach grounded in real-world issues. Dr Keshen added that Dr Afolabi’s impact extends well beyond the classroom, bringing about lasting change in his students’ lives and the wider community.
Dr. Keshen also extended his warmest congratulations to Dr. Afolabi on behalf of the University of Regina.