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Meet the 2026 Judges
Chuma Nwokolo Writer, Lawyer & Publisher
Ismail Bala Poet, Translator & Critic
Molara Wood Writer, Editor & Culture Activist1 / 6
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Everything You Need to Know
Overview
About the ZODML Poetry Prize
Discover the mission, vision, and story behind Nigeria's premier poetry competition for public tertiary institutions.
Eligibility
Who Can Participate?
Open to students enrolled in Nigeria's public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Free to enter.
Guidelines
Submission Guidelines
Everything you need to know about formatting, word limits, themes, and how to submit your poem correctly.
Judging
How We Judge
A transparent look at our judging criteria, panel of experts, and the standards of excellence we uphold.
Prizes
Cash Awards
Meet the Judges
2026 Panel
Chuma Nwokolo
Writer · Lawyer · Publisher
Nigerian writer, lawyer, and publisher whose novel The Extinction of Menai was named one of Publishers Weekly's 25 best works of fiction in 2018. Publisher of the literary magazine African Writing.
Ismail Bala
Poet · Translator · Critic
Nigerian poet, translator, and critic bridging classical poetics and modern sensibility. Fellow of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa, whose mentorship has shaped a generation of emerging African poets.
Molara Wood
Writer · Editor · Culture Activist
Lagos-based writer, journalist, editor, and culture activist described as "one of the eminent voices in the Arts in Nigeria." Former Arts & Culture editor of NEXT newspaper and judge for the Etisalat Prize for Literature.
Voices from the Past
History
2023
2024
2025
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 has been extended by one week. Poems are now due by midnight, 22 August 2026 (WAT).
How are the winners selected?
Winners are selected anonymously by a panel of three judges.
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