FAQs

The ZODML Poetry Prize 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the ZODML Poetry Prize 2026.

All Questions

Q1 Who is the ZODML Poetry Prize for? +

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

Q2 How can I participate in the ZODML Poetry Prize? +

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

Q3 Are there any specific themes or topics for the contest? +

Yes, the 2026 theme is "Stories We Carry."

Q4 Is there a deadline for the submission of poems? +

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

Q5 How are the winners selected? +

Winners are selected anonymously by a panel of three judges.

Q6 Can I submit previously published poems? +

No, your poem must not have been published in any way, or featured among the winners in another competition.

Q7 What are the prizes for the winners? +

1st place prize is ₦500,000, 2nd place is ₦300,000 and 3rd place is ₦200,000 plus publication in the ZODML Poetry Anthology for the top ten poems.

Q8 Can I submit multiple poems for the contest? +

No. Submission is one poem per participant.

Q9 Are there any age restrictions for participating in the contest? +

No, you simply need to be enrolled in a public tertiary institution in Nigeria.

Q10 Will my poems be published or shared publicly? +

Yes, if you are among the top ten your poem will be published.

Q11 Can I submit a poem in Igbo, Yoruba or Hausa? +

Yes, but you must provide an English translation.

Q12 What if my poem has been published on a blog? +

Only unpublished poems are accepted.

Q13 When will the results be announced? +

Winners will be announced in November 2026.