The Idumaese Alao Prize for Literature 2025 | How to Apply (₦100,000)
Deadline: May 10, 2025 | Prize: ₦100,000
The Idumaese Alao Foundation (IAF) invites entries for the 2025 Idumaese Alao Prize for Literature, a poetry award established in memory of Idumaese Alao to celebrate bold, creative voices and honor excellence in literary craft.
This year’s prize will be judged by Osieka Osinimu Alao and Saddiq Dzukogi, two acclaimed Nigerian poets and scholars.
Awards for the Idumaese Alao Prize for Literature.
- Winner: ₦100,000
- Runner-up: ₦50,000
- Publication in a print and digital anthology curated by the Foundation
2025 Theme
“The Beginning and End of Humanity”
Writers are encouraged to explore this theme through experimental, inventive, and deeply personal interpretations.
Eligibility Requirements for the Idumaese Alao Prize for Literature
- Open to Nigerian poets aged 18 and above, residing anywhere in the world
- Submissions must be unpublished and not under consideration elsewhere
Submission Guidelines
- One poem only, maximum of 40 lines
- Format: .doc file, Times New Roman 12 pt, 1.5 line spacing
- Do not include your name or identifying info in the document
- Email entry to: idumaesealaofoundation@omniinkus.com
- Subject line: 2025 IDUMAESE ALAO PRIZE FOR LITERATURE
- Include a cover letter in the email body with:
- A short third-person bio
- Your location
- A portrait photo
Important Dates
- Deadline: May 10, 2025
- Results: To be announced by the Foundation after judging is complete
Note
- Plagiarism and AI-generated submissions will be disqualified
- Submission grants the Foundation first publication rights in their forthcoming anthology
- The decision of the judging panel is final
Meet the Judges
Osieka Osinimu Alao is a Nigerian writer and scholar whose poetry appears in The Offing, ANMLY, The Shore, and more. He holds an MA in Creative Writing from Anglia Ruskin University.
Saddiq Dzukogi is an award-winning poet and professor at Mississippi State University. His book Your Crib, My Qibla has earned multiple honors including the Derek Walcott Prize and Julie Suk Award.
Follow for updates: @OOAlao_ on X & Instagram | Omniinkus for announcements.
