The ZODML Foundation has opened submissions for the 2026 edition of the ZODML Poetry Prize, inviting students enrolled in public tertiary institutions across Nigeria to submit original poems for a chance to win cash prizes worth over ₦1 million.
Themed “Stories We Carry,” the competition is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students currently studying at public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria.
Submission Guidelines
- The competition is open to currently enrolled undergraduate and postgraduate students at public tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
- Entries must address the theme, “Stories We Carry.”
- Participants may submit only one poem.
- Each poem must have a title and must not exceed 50 lines, excluding the title.
- Poems may be written in English or any Nigerian language. Entries in Nigerian languages must be accompanied by an English translation.
- All submissions must be the participant’s original work. AI-generated content is not permitted.
- Poems must not have been previously published in any form or have won a prize in another competition.
- The top ten finalists will be notified via email and WhatsApp and will be required to submit a short biography and photograph.
- Copyright remains with the author. However, authors of the top ten poems grant ZODML the perpetual right to publish and/or broadcast their work. Use of these poems elsewhere for one year from January 2027 requires prior permission from ZODML.
- Submitted entries will not be returned, and participants are advised to retain copies of their work.
Eligibility
The prize is open to students currently enrolled in:
- Federal and state universities across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
- Federal and state polytechnics offering accredited programmes.
- Accredited public colleges of education in Nigeria.
Deadline: August 15, 2026. To apply, click HERE.
Best of luck to all applicants!
