Wole Soyinka becomes Arts professor in Dubai University
Nobel Laureate and renowned novelist Wole Soyinka has joined the New York University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates as ‘Arts Professor of Theatre’
The University made this announcement via its website stating that he will play a key role in building the university’s deep strength within the arts and its growth as a preeminent research and teaching university and a world-class leader in global higher education.
Read Also:Nigerian comedienne, Helen Paul becomes professor at US university
Commenting on Mr Soyinka’s appointment, Vice Chancellor Mariët Westermann said, “we are excited to provide a home in the UAE for the beauty and power of Soyinka’s contributions to our understanding of our histories and our humanity.”
She expressed how honourable it is to have a world-renowned artist, academic, and activist, a true citizen of the world and a Nobel laureate join the NYUAD community.
According to the university, Mr Soyinka will join the NYUAD Theatre Program as a full-time faculty member. He first became a part of the NYUAD community as a Writer-in-Residence in 2019
His visit then was through a joint invitation from the African Studies, Film and New Media, History, Literature and Creative Writing, and Theatre programs, hosted by the NYUAD Institute and supported by other offices across the university.
The university’s Provost, Arlie Petters, said, “Soyinka has built an impressive legacy in his home country of Nigeria as well as Africa and the entire world. The students he has taught and mentored, and the legion of teachers who have translated, developed and extended his ideas, remain the most tangible and long-lasting legacy. Our community is privileged to be part of that journey and his ongoing work that will impact generations to come.”
Born 13th July, 1934, Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka, well known as Wole Soyinka, is a Nigerian playwright, novelist, poet, and essayist in the English language. He was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature, for “in a wide cultural perspective and with poetic overtones fashionning the drama of existence.”
Premium times/S.S
