SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Thank you for your interest in submitting an entry for the 2026 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize. Below are the submission guidelines:
- Each entrant is allowed a maximum of three poems
- Each poem must not exceed fifty lines
- Entries are to be made in English; however, few words from other languages are allowed as part of poetic license
- Each entry must be accompanied by proof of Nigerian citizenship in the form of an international passport data page or a national ID card or NIN slip
- Proof of citizenship must be a clear PDF copy showing critical information such as full name, place and date of birth, etc.
- The poems must be typed in 12 pts Times New Roman font and double spaced
- Only PDF format is allowed for submission of documents
- Entries must be received by the deadline; any entry received after the deadline will be automatically disqualified. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. GMT on 31 July 2025.
- Entries are to be sent as email attachments, along with proof of Nigerian citizenship, to joeushieliteraturefoundation@outlook.com
- The subject line of the submission email should read as follows: [NAME OF ENTRANT]’S ENTRY FOR THE 2026 JOE USHIE POETRY PRIZE
- There should be no identifying information (e.g. poet’s name) on the document containing the poems itself
- Entries will not be returned; authors are advised to keep a copy for their own records
- Friends, family members and close associates of the judges and prize organizers are not allowed to enter for the prize
- Any attempt to communicate with the judges or prize organizers during the prize cycle will lead to automatic disqualification
The Joe Ushie Poetry Prize appreciates your interest, and we look forward to reading your entry.