UAE University appoints Soyinka as Professor of Theatre

New York University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates has appointed Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka as ‘Arts Professor of Theatre.’

The appointment was announced on the university’s website and it stated that the Professor will play a major role in constructing the university’s deep strength within the arts and its advancement as a preeminent research and teaching university and a world-class leader in global higher education.

While talking about 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 said it was a great honour to have Professor Soyinka, 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, Soyinka joins the NYUAD Theatre Program as a full-time faculty member. In 2019, he became a part of the NYUAD community as a Writer-in-Residence.

Then, his visit then was through a joint invitation from the African Studies, Film and New Media, History, Literature and Creative Writing, and Theatre programs, organized by the NYUAD Institute and supported by other offices in the university.

The Provost of the university, 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.”