The Joe Ushie Literature Foundation wishes to inform all prospective participants, stakeholders, and the general public of important updates regarding the 2027 edition of the Joe Ushie Poetry Prize.
The Joe Ushie Literature Foundation announces important updates regarding the 2026 edition of the Joe Ushie Poetry Prize.
In response to numerous requests from poets across the country and beyond, the Foundation has extended the submission deadline. The deadline, originally set for April 20, 2026, will now close on April 30, 2026. This decision allows more poets to complete and submit their entries, thereby encouraging wider participation.
The Foundation emphasizes that this extension applies only to the submission deadline. All other rules, guidelines, and requirements remain in full effect. Entrants must strictly follow the established submission criteria, including the prescribed line limit, originality of work, language requirements, and documentation guidelines. The Foundation will disqualify any submission that fails to meet these requirements, regardless of the extended deadline.
The Foundation also announces a change to the judging panel. Jesse Arseneault will no longer serve as a judge due to unforeseen circumstances.
To maintain the integrity and quality of the adjudication process, the Foundation has appointed Kufre Friesehan to the panel. Kufre Friesehan brings valuable experience and critical insight into contemporary poetry, and the Foundation trusts that she will strengthen the judging process.
The judging panel remains committed to a transparent, fair, and merit-based evaluation of all submissions. The judges will carefully review each poem to ensure that every entry receives due consideration.
The Foundation remains committed to promoting literary growth within Nigeria and beyond.
The Foundation encourages all prospective entrants to take full advantage of the extended deadline to refine and perfect their submissions. It looks forward to receiving a rich and diverse collection of poems.
For further inquiries or clarification, participants should consult the Foundation’s official communication channels.
Johnson Nte’ne
Chairman
Leave a Reply