In a world where people are shy to express themselves, the ZODML poetry prize has granted the freedom that your words are all voices just waiting to be heard. Every year, the ZODML Poetry Prize challenges students at public higher education institutions in Nigeria to use poetry as a medium for expressing their innermost ideas, imaginative visions, and social insights. Your voice counts, regardless of how experienced you are or how recently you have discovered your ability.
Eligibility for the poetry competition
- Must be currently student of Nigeria public institution (Undergraduate or postgraduate)
How to apply for the ZODML poetry.
The following guidelines must be followed strictly to avoid any form of disqualification and resist the urge to make use of A.I in your writing.
- The ZODML poetry is eligible for the students that are currently in public university ( undergraduate and postgraduate)
- All entries must be in line with the theme of the poetry ‘Seeds of Tomorrow’
- Entries must be a single poem per participant.
- All entries must have a title and must not exceed 50 lines in length (excluding title).
- Entries may be in English or any Nigerian language. An entry that is not in English must be translated into English by the participant.
- Entries must be the participant’s original work. AI-generated work is prohibited.
- Entries must not have been published in any way or featured among the winners in another competition.
- The top ten finalists will be notified by email and WhatsApp, so ensure that you have provided a valid email address and WhatsApp number. They will be expected to provide a biography and photograph.
- The copyright of each poem remains with the author. However, authors of the top ten poems, by entering the contest, grant ZODML the right in perpetuity to publish and/or broadcast their poem. Use of the poems elsewhere for one year from January 2026 is subject to permission from ZODML.
- Entries submitted will not be returned, so please keep a copy.
- Entries will receive automatic confirmation at the time of submission. Telephone or email confirmation of receipt is not available.
Theme of the poetry
The theme for the poetry is ‘Seeds of Tomorrow’ and submissions must be in line with the theme.
Benefit of the ZODML poetry
🏆 1st Place: ₦500,000 + medal + cup (for poet’s university)
🥈 2nd Place: ₦300,000 + medal
🥉 3rd Place: ₦200,000 + medal
🎓 Top 10 Finalists: Certificates + Inclusion in the ZODML Poetry Anthology
Deadline for submission
The deadline for the poetry entry is midnight, 14 September 2025.
