2026 ZODML Poetry Prize: Win Up to ₦1,000,000 Cash Prizes

ZODML Poetry Prize

The ZODML Poetry Prize 2026 is officially open for public university students in Nigeria.

If you’ve got a poem now it’s the time to share it.

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ZODML Poetry Prize is an annual contest that empowers students across Nigeria’s public universities to express their deepest thoughts and societal insights through the art of poetry.

In this post, the full details of the eligibility, benefits, timeline, and application procedure will be provided.

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ZODML Poetry Prize Abstract

  • Host: ZODML
  • Location: Nigeria
  • Category: Competitions 
  • Benefits:
    • ₦1,200,000 Cash Prizes
    • Recognition
  • Eligibility: Nigeria
  • Deadline: August 15, 2026

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ZODML Poetry Challenge 2026 Details

The ZODML Poetry Prize is an annual contest that empowers students across Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions to express their deepest thoughts, creative visions, and societal insights through the art of poetry. Whether you are an experienced poet or just discovering your gift, your voice matters.

The 2026 theme is “Stories We Carry”

ZODML Poetry Prize 2026 Benefits

The ZODML Poetry Prize offers the following benefits;

  • 1,200,000 Naira Cash Prizes
  • Publication in the ZODML anthology
  • All-expenses-paid trip to Lagos from anywhere in Nigeria
  • 3 days accommodation in Lagos for the award ceremony
  • Sightseeing experiences around Lagos
  • One-year paid internship with ZODML

Judgement Criteria for ZODML Poetry Challenge

The entries submitted will be judged based on the following criteria:

  • Originality and Creativity
  • Command of Language Style
  • Emotional Depth and Resonance
  • Clarity and relevance to the theme

ZODML Poetry Challenge Requirements

To be eligible for the ZODML Poetry Challenge, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

  • Participants must be currently enrolled as either undergraduate or postgraduate students
  • Be a students at public tertiary institution in Nigeria either :
    • Federal and state universities across all 36 states and the FCT.
    • Federal and state polytechnics offering accredited programmes.
    • All accredited public colleges of education in Nigeria.
  • The theme is ‘Stories We Carry’. All entries must address this theme.
  • The deadline for submission is midnight on 15 August 2026.
  • Entries must be one poem per participant only.
  • Each poem must have a title, maximum length – 50 lines (excluding title).
  • Entries may be in English or any Nigerian language. If the poem is written in a Nigerian language, the participant must also provide an English translation.
  • Entries must be the participant’s own. AI-generated work is prohibited.
  • Entries must not have been previously published in any form, nor have won a prize in another competition.
  • The top ten finalists will be notified via email and WhatsApp. Please ensure you provide a valid email address and WhatsApp number. Finalists will be required to submit a short biography and a photograph.
  • 10The copyright of each poem remains with the author. By entering the contest, authors of the top ten poems grant ZODML the perpetual right to publish and/or broadcast their poems. Use of these poems elsewhere for one year from January 2027 requires prior permission from ZODML.
  • Submissions will not be returned. Please retain a copy for yourself.
  • Automatic confirmation will be sent upon submission. Telephone or email confirmations are not available.

ZODML Poetry Challenge 2026 Required Documents

While applying for the ZODML Poetry Challenge 2026, you will be required to submit the following documents;

  • Your poem

How To Apply for ZODML Poetry Prize 2026

To apply for the ZODML Poetry Prize 2026, follow the instructions we have outlined below; 

  • Read the information we have provided on this webpage and ensure your eligibility
  • Prepare your poetry
  • Submit it via the application link

Begin your application by clicking on the button below.

Deadline: August 15th, 2026