Submission Guidelines

Submission Guidelines

THE ZODML Poetry Prize 2026

Submission Guidelines

Please read these guidelines carefully before submitting your poem. For any questions, refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

  1. 01

    The ZODML Poetry Prize is open to currently enrolled students (undergraduate or postgraduate) at a public tertiary institution in Nigeria.

  2. 02

    The theme is 'Stories We Carry'. All entries must address this theme.

  3. 03

    The deadline for submission is midnight on 15 August 2026.

  4. 04

    Entries must be one poem per participant only.

  5. 05

    Each poem must have a title, maximum length - 50 lines (excluding title).

  6. 06

    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.

  7. 07

    Entries must be the participant's own. AI-generated work is prohibited.

  8. 08

    Entries must not have been previously published in any form, nor have won a prize in another competition.

  9. 09

    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.

  10. 10

    The 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.

  11. 11

    Submissions will not be returned. Please retain a copy for yourself.

  12. 12

    Automatic confirmation will be sent upon submission. Telephone or email confirmations are not available.

  13. 13

    Ready to submit? Access the submission page below:

Ready to enter? Click Here to Access the Submission Page