Presenting

NSPP
2022 edition

Introduction

Nigerian Students Poetry Prize (NSPP) is an initiative of Poets in Nigeria (PIN) aimed at stimulating literary creativity and encouraging critical thinking among Nigerian undergraduates. Since its inception in 2016 at the University of Ibadan, the prize has received about 3500 entries from students representing over 100 tertiary institutions (including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, schools of nursing and seminary schools).

Reputed as the foremost poetry prize for Nigerian students, the NSPP has awarded 2 million Naira to winning entrants and published 541 poems authored by selected entrants in six anthologies: The Sun Will Rise Again (2016), Mixed History (2017), Deep Dreams (2018, Micah (2019), The House That Built Me (2020) and Portrait of Water (2021).

Notably, tertiary institutions such as University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu and Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Yenagoa hosted the NSPP Awards in 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively. In 2021, the awards ceremony was held at the University of Ibadan, with a cash prize of N400,000 shared among the winning entrants.

Aside rewarding the prize winners with a total cash prize of ₦500,000, exceptional entrants will each receive a certificate of excellence and complimentary copy of the NSPP anthology which features their works.

PRIZES
1st Prize – ₦200,000
2nd Prize – ₦150,000
3rd Prize – ₦75,000
Consolation Prize – ₦25,000 each for 4th, 5th and 6th best entrants

Previous grand prize winners of the NSPP include Noah Oladele (Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; 2016), Bakre Fadil Adedamola (University of Ibadan; 2017), Godstime Tamunofiri Iberiyenari (Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Yenagoa; 2018), Ogugua Micah Okoye (Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu; 2019), Okwubi Godwin Adah (University of Benin; 2020) and Samuel A. Adeyemi (Federal University, Lokoja; 2021).

The seventh edition of the Nigerian Students Poetry Prize (NSPP) opens for submission between 15th January and 7th March, 2022. Taking note of the deadline, interested Nigerian undergraduates are expected to submit a 30-line poem on any theme of their choice.

ELIGIBILITY

Open to all Nigerian undergraduates studying in Nigeria and the diaspora.
Entrants must be from a recognized tertiary institution.

GUIDELINES

Submissions are to be made at nspp.poetsinnigeria.org.ng , with strict adherence to the instructions thereon.
Entrants should write on any theme of their choice while considering its topicality.
Entrants must give unique titles to their works
Indicate the theme selected beneath your work
Poems must be original intellectual property of the entrants.
An entrant is entitled to a single entry of 30 lines maximum.
Entries submitted must be previously unpublished. A submission discovered to have defaulted on this rule will be automatically voided.
All entrants are expected to purchase a minimum of one of the six NSPP anthologies uploaded on the submission portal.
Under no condition will the judges’ decision be challenged.
Entering for the contest gives PIN automatic right to make use of entries as deemed appropriate.
Entries must be written in English. Native terminologies must be translated in English as footnotes.
Entrants should subscribe to www.poetsinnigeria.org.ng for regular updates.

Submission Deadline: 7th March, 2022

Apply Here

Accolades

This literary and creative initiative to help young poets to improve their skills and have opportunities to win prizes is a wonderful idea which is already making an impact. The youths in Nigeria are looking for role models and mentors to bring out the best in them. The organizers of the Nigerian Students Poetry Prize (NSPP) are providing this service to our teaming population of students in tertiary institutions. I am proud to identify with the team. Indeed, I am pleased to be appointed the Chief Judge for the 2017 edition of the competition.

– Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo

Joint Winner, The Nigeria Prize for Literature (2007)
Chief Judge, NSPP 2017

The competition is a good initiative in popularizing the writing and reading of poetry among students. The array of judges is impressive and that clearly shows that the best poems which will be isolated for special recognition must really be poems that have succeeded on all counts.

– Denja Abdullahi

President, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)
Chief Judge, NSPP 2016

Heartfelt congratulations to all entrants. It was a true pleasure to know that poetry is alive to this extent in the hands of the new generation. Thank you, dear NSPP for including me in this precious endeavor.

– Dr. Hülya N. Yılmaz

Director of Editing Services at Inner Child Press (USA)
Member, NSPP 2018 Judging Panel

As a poet, it is very interesting to see young people taking poetry seriously, as is evidenced by the entries into the 2017 NSPP. The quality of the verses and the variety of themes warmed my heart, so much that judging the poems was a rewarding exercise. One can only wish more organizations and individuals will take the promotion of literature as serious as the organizers of the NSPP because encouraging youth to express creatively is of great social importance.

– Kukogho Iruesiri Samson

CEO, Words Rhymes & Rhythm Limited
Winner, GTB Dusty Manuscript Contest 2018