The Joe Ushie Poetry Prize | Win $500
The Joe Ushie Poetry Prize is back, celebrating the enduring power of poetry as a tool for truth-telling, connection, and cultural transformation. Named after the acclaimed Nigerian poet and professor, this prize honors Professor Joe Ushie’s commitment to literary excellence and social justice. With a $500 (USD) award at stake, the prize invites Nigerian poets—emerging and established—to submit their finest work.
Eligibility for the Joe Ushie Poetry Prize
To be considered, entrants must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Nigerian citizen
- Submit valid proof of citizenship: national ID card, international passport data page, or NIN slip
This prize is designed to spotlight hidden literary talent while celebrating the vibrant voice of Nigerian poetry. For insight into how writers navigate the literary world, check out how ten poets discuss their creative journeys and battles with rejection.
Requirements for Submitting to the Joe Ushie Poetry Prize
The Joe Ushie Poetry Prize encourages thoughtful, original poetry that has not yet appeared in any publication, including personal blogs or social media platforms. Here are the submission rules:
- Submit up to three (3) poems
- Each poem must be no longer than 50 lines
- Poems must be original, unpublished, and not AI-generated
- Submissions must be in English (occasional non-English words permitted under poetic license)
- Use 12 pt Times New Roman, double-spaced formatting
- Submit entries in PDF format only, with no identifying information in the document
- Include a clear PDF of your proof of Nigerian citizenship
- Send entries to joeushieliteraturefoundation@outlook.com
- Email subject line should read: [YOUR NAME]’S ENTRY FOR THE 2026 JOE USHIE POETRY PRIZE
Entries must be submitted before 11:59 p.m. GMT on July 31, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Need motivation? Read how one poet earned $1,200 from their writing.
Benefits
The winner of the Joe Ushie Poetry Prize will receive a $500 USD cash award. Beyond the monetary prize, this platform provides visibility to underrepresented voices and fosters intergenerational artistic dialogue. It is a space for poetic talent to rise and resonate.
The judges reserve the right to withhold the prize if no submission meets the standard of excellence. Previous winners and their entries may not reapply in subsequent years.
Want to sharpen your storytelling while you wait? Browse this curated list of powerful short stories.
Deadline
All entries must be received by July 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. GMT. Only longlisted and shortlisted poets will be contacted. Any attempt to communicate with the prize organizers or judges during the cycle will lead to automatic disqualification.
This prize is administered by the Joe Ushie Literature Foundation, which may seek permission to use select entries for promotional purposes.
