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Everything You Need to Know

About the ZODML Poetry Prize

Overview

About the ZODML Poetry Prize

Discover the mission, vision, and story behind Nigeria's premier poetry competition for public tertiary institutions.

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Who Can Participate

Eligibility

Who Can Participate?

Open to students enrolled in Nigeria's public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Free to enter.

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Submission Guidelines

Guidelines

Submission Guidelines

Everything you need to know about formatting, word limits, themes, and how to submit your poem correctly.

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How We Judge

Judging

How We Judge

A transparent look at our judging criteria, panel of experts, and the standards of excellence we uphold.

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Prizes

Cash Awards

Prizes
₦1,200,000 Total cash awards  ·  Free to enter

Meet the Judges

Panel

?

Coming Soon

Our panel of judges will be announced shortly

Voices from the Past

History

2023

2023

791 Submissions
94 Institutions
34 States
2024

2024

1,445 Submissions
96 Institutions
35 States
2025

2025

2,356 Submissions
140 Institutions
36 + FCT States

FAQs

Help

Who is the ZODML Poetry Prize for?

The contest is for students in public tertiary institutions (undergraduate and postgraduate) in Nigeria.

How can I participate in the ZODML Poetry Prize?

Read the rules carefully and submit your poem on this site.

Are there any specific themes or topics for the contest?

Yes, the 2026 theme is Stories We Carry.

Is there a deadline for the submission of poems?

Yes, the deadline for submission of poems is midnight, 15 August 2026.

How are the winners selected?

Winners are selected anonymously by a panel of three judges.