The Joe Ushie Literature Foundation proudly invites submissions for the 2027 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize—a prestigious award that celebrates excellence in Nigerian poetry and amplifies powerful literary voices.
If you are a Nigerian poet with a compelling, original poem, now is the time to share your work with a wider audience and compete for recognition, publication, and a cash prize.
About the Prize
The Joe Ushie Literature Foundation established this prize to promote creativity, reward excellence, and support the growth of Nigerian literature.
Each year, the Foundation awards the Prize to the writer of the best original poem submitted. A panel of distinguished judges carefully reviews all entries and selects the winner based on artistic merit, originality, and impact.
The Prize welcomes Nigerian writers aged 18 and above, regardless of where they live.
The winner of the 2027 edition will receive a $500 cash prize and recognition at an award ceremony scheduled for 20th January, 2027.
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM (GMT), 20th April, 2026
- Award Ceremony: 20th January, 2027
Submit your entry before the deadline to secure your place in the competition.
What’s New in the 2027 Edition?
The Foundation continues to refine the Prize to ensure fairness, clarity, and excellence. Here’s what you should note for 2027:
We Strengthened Originality Requirements
We now clearly define unpublished work. If you have shared your poem anywhere online—including social media—we consider it published and therefore ineligible.
We Simplified the Submission Process
We now accept all entries through a single online form, making the process easier, faster, and more transparent.
We Offer Publication Opportunities
If your poem makes the longlist, we will publish it in the Joe Ushie Poetry Prize Anthology (Vol. 2, 2027). This gives your work lasting visibility and recognition.
Submission Guidelines
Follow these guidelines carefully to ensure your entry qualifies:
Eligibility
- You must be at least 18 years old at the time of submission.
- You must be a Nigerian citizen, regardless of your location.
Entry Requirements
- Submit only one poem.
- Keep your poem within 50 lines.
- Ensure your poem is original and unpublished.
What Counts as Published?
We consider your poem published if you have:
- Shared it on social media platforms
- Posted it on blogs or websites
- Submitted it to journals or competitions where it appeared publicly
Submission Format
Submit your entry through the official submission portal:
We designed a form to guide you through the process. When you submit, you will:
- Upload your poem
- Provide your personal and contact details
- Upload proof of Nigerian citizenship
- Agree to the Prize rules and publication terms
- Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements
Complete every section carefully. If you submit incomplete or incorrect information, we may disqualify your entry.
Rules and Regulations
Follow these rules to remain eligible:
- The judges will make the final decision, and they will not accept appeals.
- Do not submit previously entered or published work.
- If you have won the Prize before, you cannot re-enter.
- Follow the Joe Ushie Literature Foundation’s social media platforms throughout the Prize cycle to remain eligible.
If you fail to meet any of these conditions, we will disqualify your entry.
Meet the Judges
We have assembled a respected panel of literary experts to evaluate submissions:
- Chief Judge: Prof. Razinat Mohammed
- Panel Members: Bash Amuneni, Michael Imossan, Jesse Arseneault
These judges bring experience, insight, and a deep understanding of poetry to the selection process.
Why You Should Enter
When you enter the Joe Ushie Poetry Prize, you do more than compete—you position your voice for recognition.
You will:
- Compete for a $500 cash prize
- Gain national and international exposure
- Receive the chance to get published in a reputable anthology
- Present your work before renowned literary judges
Whether you are an emerging or established poet, this Prize offers a meaningful opportunity to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I submit more than one poem?
No. Submit only one poem.
2. Can I submit a poem I posted online?
No. Once you publish your poem online, we consider it ineligible.
3. Do I need to live in Nigeria?
No. We accept entries from Nigerian citizens worldwide.
4. What happens if my poem is longlisted?
We will publish your poem in the 2027 anthology. By submitting, you agree to this.
5. Can previous winners apply again?
No. If you have won before, you cannot enter again.
6. How do I submit my entry?
Use the official submission link provided above.
Tips for a Strong Entry
To improve your chances:
- Write with clarity and originality
- Edit your poem carefully before submitting
- Avoid clichés and predictable themes
- Follow all guidelines strictly
Pay attention to detail. Small mistakes can cost you eligibility.
Take this opportunity seriously.
If you have a poem that carries truth, emotion, and artistic strength, submit it now.
🕒 Deadline: 11:59 PM (GMT), 20th April, 2026
Do not wait until the last minute. Prepare your best work and send it in.
Final Note
The Joe Ushie Poetry Prize continues to shape the future of Nigerian literature by discovering and promoting exceptional poetic voices.
We invite you to take part in this journey. So write boldly. Submit confidently. Let your voice be heard.
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