Rules of the Joe Ushie Poetry Prize
1. Entrants must be at least 18 years old at the time of submission.
2. Entrants must be Nigerian citizens, and must submit proof of citizenship in the form of their international passport data page or national identity card, along with their entry.
3. Entries must be original unpublished work, not plagiarised or AI generated; poetry previously broadcast online is considered published
4. Entries must not exceed fifty (50) lines, only one poem is allowed per entrant.
5. Family members and close friends of the organisers and judges are not allowed to enter.
6. The decision of the judges is final and is not subject to appeal.
7. No entry will be permitted to be re-entered in any subsequent year, and no previous winner can re-enter for the prize.
8. The Prize may be withheld if the judges deem that none of the entries meets the standard of excellence.
9. The Prize money is $500 (USD). Two finalists will also receive discretionary cash awards.
10. Any attempt by any entrant to communicate with the judges or organisers of the prize during the prize cycle will lead to immediate disqualification.
11. Only entrants longlisted and subsequently shortlisted for the prize will be contacted.
12. Entries are to be made via the Google form provided; no late entry will be considered.
13. ALL longlisted poems will be published in the Joe Ushie Poetry Prize Anthology (Vol. 2, 2027); by entering for the Prize, entrants consent to the publication of their longlisted poem in the Prize anthology.
14. The Prize is organised and administered by the Joe Ushie Literature Foundation. Entrants are required to like and follow the Joe Ushie Literature Foundation social media handles throughout the Prize cycle to remain eligible.