The Joe Ushie Poetry Prize is again, celebrating the enduring energy of poetry as a software for truth-telling, connection, and cultural transformation. Named after the acclaimed Nigerian poet and professor, this prize honors Professor Joe Ushie’s dedication to literary excellence and social justice. With a $500 (USD) award at stake, the prize invitations Nigerian poets—rising and established—to submit their most interesting work.
Eligibility for the Joe Ushie Poetry Prize
To be thought-about, entrants should meet the next standards:
- Be at the very least 18 years outdated
- Be a Nigerian citizen
- Submit legitimate proof of citizenship: nationwide ID card, worldwide passport knowledge web page, or NIN slip
This prize is designed to highlight hidden literary expertise whereas celebrating the colourful voice of Nigerian poetry. For perception into how writers navigate the literary world, take a look at how ten poets focus on their artistic journeys and battles with rejection.
Necessities for Submitting to the Joe Ushie Poetry Prize
The Joe Ushie Poetry Prize encourages considerate, unique poetry that has not but appeared in any publication, together with private blogs or social media platforms. Listed here are the submission guidelines:
- Submit as much as three (3) poems
- Every poem should be not than 50 strains
- Poems should be unique, unpublished, and never AI-generated
- Submissions should be in English (occasional non-English phrases permitted underneath poetic license)
- Use 12 pt Instances New Roman, double-spaced formatting
- Submit entries in PDF format solely, with no figuring out data within the doc
- Embody a transparent PDF of your proof of Nigerian citizenship
- Ship entries to joeushieliteraturefoundation@outlook.com
- E mail topic line ought to learn: [YOUR NAME]’S ENTRY FOR THE 2026 JOE USHIE POETRY PRIZE
Entries should be submitted earlier than 11:59 p.m. GMT on July 31, 2025. Late submissions won’t be accepted.
Want motivation? Learn how one poet earned $1,200 from their writing.
Advantages
The winner of the Joe Ushie Poetry Prize will obtain a $500 USD money award. Past the financial prize, this platform offers visibility to underrepresented voices and fosters intergenerational creative dialogue. It’s a house for poetic expertise to rise and resonate.
The judges reserve the best to withhold the prize if no submission meets the usual of excellence. Earlier winners and their entries might not reapply in subsequent years.
Wish to sharpen your storytelling whilst you wait? Browse this curated listing of highly effective brief tales.
Deadline
All entries should be obtained by July 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. GMT. Solely longlisted and shortlisted poets can be contacted. Any try to speak with the prize organizers or judges through the cycle will result in computerized disqualification.
This prize is run by the Joe Ushie Literature Basis, which can search permission to make use of choose entries for promotional functions.
