The Prize
POETRY
The ZODML Poetry Prize About the Prize
Every word you write is a voice waiting to be heard. Give students an outlet to express creativity, be part of a community, and win big.
What is the ZODML Poetry Prize?
The ZODML Poetry Prize is an annual contest open to students in public tertiary institutions. With the first contest held in 2023, there was great involvement with over 791 submissions.
The ZODML Poetry Prize is here to give students an outlet to express their creativity, be part of a community and win big!
We have a panel of 3 renowned judges who will take weeks narrowing down submissions until we finally crown our winner. Our rules are clearly stated on poetry.contest.zodml.org
We look forward to you being part of our movement in more ways than one. Submit your poem, join our library and/or donate to support our initiative. We will be very pleased should you do any. Kindly contact us via our contact page if you have any questions!
Whether you are an experienced poet or just discovering your gift — your voice matters. Submit your poem, join our community, and be part of a movement that celebrates Nigeria's literary future.
01
Submit Your Poem
Write an original poem on the year's theme and submit it through our website. One entry per participant. Free to enter.
02
Judged Anonymously
A panel of 3 renowned judges assess all entries anonymously over several weeks, evaluating originality, language, emotional depth, and relevance to the theme.
03
Winners Crowned
Top 10 finalists are announced, then 5 winners are celebrated. The 2026 winner will be announced in December 2026 with cash prizes and medals.
The ZODML Poetry Prize 2026 is now open