Applications are now open for the ZODML Poetry Prize 2026, one of Nigeria’s leading literary competitions for students in public tertiary institutions. The competition seeks to discover, celebrate, and preserve the literary voices emerging from universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other public institutions across Nigeria.
The 2026 edition is themed “Stories We Carry” and offers participants the opportunity to win a share of ₦1.2 million in cash prizes, publication opportunities, national recognition, and additional rewards. The competition is completely free to enter.
Competition Summary
- Organizer: ZODML (Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Libraries)
- Competition Type: Poetry Contest
- Eligible Country: Nigeria
- Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students
- Theme: Stories We Carry
- Prize Pool: ₦1,200,000
- Entry Fee: Free
- Submission Deadline: August 15, 2026
- Language: English or Nigerian Languages
- Number of Entries Allowed: One Poem Per Applicant
About the ZODML Poetry Prize
The ZODML Poetry Prize was established to provide a platform for young Nigerian writers and poets to share their creativity, experiences, and perspectives through poetry.
The competition encourages students to express their deepest thoughts, cultural experiences, personal histories, and societal observations through original poetic works. Over the years, the prize has grown significantly, attracting thousands of submissions from institutions across Nigeria. In 2025 alone, the competition received 2,356 submissions from 140 institutions across all 36 states and the FCT.
Theme for 2026
‘Stories We Carry’
Participants are expected to submit poems that explore stories, memories, identities, experiences, histories, traditions, struggles, dreams, and narratives that shape individuals and communities.
Judges will assess how creatively and effectively poets interpret the theme through their work.
Prizes and Benefits
Successful participants will compete for:
₦1.2 Million Total Cash Awards
Explore more opportunities like this
The competition offers a combined prize pool worth ₦1,200,000.
Additional benefits include:
- Publication in the ZODML Anthology
- National recognition
- Literary exposure
- Opportunity to have work preserved and promoted by ZODML
- Free flights and accommodation in Lagos for selected winners
- Sightseeing opportunities
- One-year paid internship with ZODML for winners and selected participants
Eligibility Criteria
The competition is open to:
Universities
- Students enrolled in Federal Universities
- Students enrolled in State Universities
Polytechnics
- Students enrolled in accredited Federal and State Polytechnics
- Students enrolled in Monotechnics
Colleges of Education
- Students enrolled in accredited Public Colleges of Education
Research Institutions
- Eligible students affiliated with public research institutions
Both undergraduate and postgraduate students may apply.
Submission Guidelines
Applicants must follow these rules:
- Submit only one poem.
- Poems must address the theme “Stories We Carry.”
- Poems must not exceed 50 lines (excluding the title).
- Entries may be written in English or any Nigerian language.
- Poems submitted in Nigerian languages must include an English translation.
- All entries must be original works.
- AI-generated content is strictly prohibited.
- Previously published poems are not eligible.
- Poems that have won prizes elsewhere are not eligible.
Selection Process
All submissions will be reviewed anonymously by a panel of judges.
The judging process focuses on:
- Originality
- Creativity
- Relevance to the theme
- Literary quality
- Emotional impact
- Technical excellence
According to the organizers, winners are selected anonymously by a panel of three judges to ensure fairness and transparency.
Important Information for Finalists
The Top 10 finalists will be contacted through email and WhatsApp.
Shortlisted applicants will be required to provide:
- A short biography
- A recent photograph
- Additional information requested by the organizers
Copyright Policy
Authors retain copyright ownership of their poems.
However, authors whose poems make the Top 10 grant ZODML the right to publish and broadcast their work. Any use of the selected poems elsewhere within one year after publication may require prior approval from ZODML.
Application Deadline
August 15, 2026
All submissions must be received before midnight on the deadline date. Late entries will not be considered.
Why You Should Apply
The ZODML Poetry Prize has become one of the most respected literary competitions for students in Nigeria. Beyond the substantial cash prizes, the competition offers publication opportunities, professional exposure, networking opportunities, and a platform for emerging writers to gain national recognition.
If you are a student with a passion for poetry and storytelling, this is an excellent opportunity to showcase your talent and share your voice with a wider audience.
