The ZODML Poetry Prize is a student poetry competition designed to celebrate the creativity, experiences, and voices of young Nigerians in public tertiary institutions.
The competition is organised by ZODML and has grown significantly since its launch. According to the official website, the 2025 edition received 2,356 submissions from 140 institutions across 36+ states/FCT, following 791 submissions in 2023 and 1,445 in 2024.
The competition gives students an opportunity to express themselves through poetry while competing for cash awards.
The 2026 edition continues this tradition with a new theme that encourages participants to explore personal and collective experiences.
2026 Theme: "Stories We Carry"
The theme for the 2026 ZODML Poetry Prize is:
Stories We Carry
Participants are expected to write poems that address this theme.
The official website encourages participants to explore ideas such as:
- Memory
- Identity
- Heritage
- Lived experiences
- Personal stories
- Collective experiences
The theme gives writers considerable creative freedom to explore the experiences, memories, histories, and identities that shape who they are.
Rather than simply writing a poem about a random subject, participants should ensure that their submission meaningfully connects with the theme "Stories We Carry".
Get the Latest Updates from our Social Media Handles
- WhatsApp: Scholarship Tips WhatsApp
- Facebook: @Scholarship Tips
- Instagram: @Scholarship Tips
- Twitter (X): @Scholarship Tips
- LinkedIn: @Scholarship Tips
ZODML Poetry Prize 2026 Benefits
The main attraction of the competition is the cash prize.
₦1.2 Million in Total Cash Prizes
The 2026 competition has a total of the following:
₦1,200,000 in cash awards
The competition is also completely free to enter.
In addition to the financial reward, being selected as a finalist or winner can provide valuable recognition for emerging student writers.
The competition gives young poets an opportunity to have their work recognised alongside other talented students from public tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Who Can Apply?
The ZODML Poetry Prize is open to students who meet the following requirements:
You must currently be enrolled in a public tertiary institution in Nigeria.
Eligible students include:
- Undergraduate students
- Postgraduate students
- Students in public universities
- Students in public polytechnics
- Students in public colleges of education
The official guidelines specifically state that the competition is open to currently enrolled undergraduate and postgraduate students at public tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Students who are no longer enrolled should carefully check their eligibility before submitting an entry.
Is There an Application Fee?
No.
The ZODML Poetry Prize is free to enter.
Applicants do not need to pay a registration or submission fee to participate.
This makes the competition accessible to students who have a passion for poetry but may not have the financial resources to participate in paid competitions.
Poetry Submission Requirements
Before submitting your poem, it is important to understand the competition rules.
One Poem Per Participant
Each participant may submit only one poem.
Therefore, choose your strongest piece rather than submitting multiple poems.
Maximum of 50 Lines
Your poem must have a maximum length of:
50 lines
The title does not count toward the 50-line limit.
Your Poem Must Have a Title
Every entry must have a title.
Make sure your title complements the poem and is relevant to the ideas you explore.
English or Nigerian Language
Participants can submit poems written in:
- English
- Any Nigerian language
However, if your poem is written in a Nigerian language, you must also provide an English translation.
This is particularly useful for students who want to express their ideas using their indigenous language while still making the work accessible to the judges.
Important Rule: AI-Generated Poems Are Not Allowed
One of the most important rules for the 2026 competition is that AI-generated work is prohibited.
The submitted poem must be the participant's own work.
Students should therefore avoid submitting poems generated by artificial intelligence tools.
The competition is intended to showcase the student's own creativity, voice, experiences, and writing ability.
If you use AI to brainstorm or generate an entire poem and submit it as your own, you risk violating the competition rules.
Your Poem Must Be Unpublished
The poem submitted must not have been previously published in any form.
It must also not have previously won a prize in another competition.
Therefore, applicants should select an original poem that has not appeared on:
- Blogs
- Social media
- Websites
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Other competitions
If you are unsure whether a previous publication makes your poem ineligible, contact the organizers before submitting.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the ZODML Poetry Prize 2026 is:
August 15, 2026
Time: Midnight
The official submission guidelines specify that entries must be submitted by midnight on 15 August 2026.
Students should avoid waiting until the final hours to submit because internet problems, technical difficulties, or an incomplete submission could prevent an entry from being successfully received.
How to Apply for the ZODML Poetry Prize 2026
The application process is completed online. Go to the official ZODML Poetry Prize website:
CLICK HERE TO APPLY JOIN WHATSAPP FOR MORE
What Happens After Submission?
The judging process is conducted anonymously.
According to the official website, winners are selected by a panel of three judges.
The top ten finalists will be notified through email and WhatsApp.
For this reason, applicants should provide a valid email address and WhatsApp number during submission.
The top ten finalists will also be required to submit:
- A short biography
- A photograph
Copyright and Use of Submitted Poems
Participants should also understand the copyright conditions before entering.
The copyright of each poem remains with the author.
However, authors of the top ten poems grant ZODML a perpetual right to publish and/or broadcast their poems.
The official rules also state that use of these poems elsewhere for one year from January 2027 requires prior permission from ZODML.
Applicants should therefore read the full terms carefully before submitting.
Tips for Writing a Strong Entry
Although there is no guaranteed formula for winning a poetry competition, applicants can improve their entries by taking the following steps.
1. Understand the Theme
Do not ignore the theme.
Think deeply about what "Stories We Carry" means to you.
You could explore personal memories, family history, cultural heritage, identity, migration, childhood experiences, struggles, triumphs, community, or other experiences that have shaped you.
2. Tell a Genuine Story
The theme encourages personal expression.
Instead of trying to sound overly complicated, focus on communicating something meaningful and authentic.
3. Use Your Own Voice
Your poem should sound like you.
The competition specifically prohibits AI-generated work, so originality and personal expression are particularly important.
4. Stay Within the Line Limit
Do not exceed 50 lines.
A powerful poem does not necessarily have to be long.
5. Proofread Your Work
Before submitting, check:
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Punctuation
- Line breaks
- Title
- Overall presentation
6. Submit Only Your Strongest Poem
Because only one poem is allowed per participant, take time to select the piece that best represents your writing ability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the ZODML Poetry Prize?
Currently enrolled undergraduate and postgraduate students at public tertiary institutions in Nigeria are eligible.
Can students in private universities apply?
The official 2026 rules specify students currently enrolled in public tertiary institutions, so students in private institutions are not eligible under the stated criteria.
What is the theme for 2026?
The theme is "Stories We Carry."
How many poems can I submit?
Only one poem per participant is allowed.
What is the maximum length?
The poem must not exceed 50 lines, excluding the title.
Can I write my poem in a Nigerian language?
Yes. Poems may be written in English or any Nigerian language. If you use a Nigerian language, you must also provide an English translation.
Can I use AI to write my poem?
No. The official rules explicitly prohibit AI-generated work.
Can I submit a poem that has already been published?
No. Entries must not have been previously published or have won a prize in another competition.
How much is the prize money?
The 2026 edition has ₦1.2 million in total cash awards.
Is there an application fee?
No. The competition is free to enter.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is midnight on August 15, 2026.
Final Thoughts
The ZODML Poetry Prize 2026 offers Nigerian students an opportunity to turn their creativity and personal experiences into something that can be recognized and rewarded.
With ₦1.2 million in total cash prizes, free entry, and eligibility for students across public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, the competition provides an accessible platform for emerging Nigerian poets.
This year's theme, "Stories We Carry," gives participants the opportunity to explore the memories, identities, heritage, experiences, and stories that have shaped them.
If you are eligible and have a poem that fits the theme, don't wait until the final hours. Prepare your best original work, make sure it follows all the rules, and submit it before the August 15, 2026 deadline.
Explore More Opportunities
Explore More Opportunities
If this opportunity is not the right fit, check these: