Stories From Nigeria Opens 2026 Annual Writing Competition for Nigerians; Stories From Nigeria (SFN) has opened submissions for its 2026 Annual Writing Competition. The competition invites Nigerian writers aged 16 to 35 to share original stories about life and social change in Nigeria.
Now in its third year, the competition features five themes. These cover justice, healthcare, social reform, education and entrepreneurship.
Submissions opened on 21 October 2026 and will close on 12 November 2026. The first-place winner will receive ₦200,000 and an interview feature on Stories From Nigeria.
Five Themes for the 2026 Writing Competition
Entrants must select one of the five themes and develop their work in 750 words or fewer.
1. Justice
Writers can share personal or community experiences with Nigeria’s justice system. They should explain how these experiences shaped their understanding of access to justice.
2. Healthcare
This theme invites writers to describe encounters with Nigeria’s healthcare system. Entries should highlight the challenges people face and suggest ways to address them.
3. Social Reform
Writers can tell the story of an individual, community or movement that created meaningful change. They may also describe an experience that inspired them to take action.
4. Education
This theme explores access to education in Nigeria. Writers should draw on personal or community experiences to highlight the opportunities and barriers people encounter.
5. Entrepreneurship
This theme focuses on the realities of starting or running a business in Nigeria. Writers can discuss common obstacles and practical steps entrepreneurs take to overcome them.
Eligibility and Submission Requirements
The competition is open to Nigerian citizens who meet the specified age requirements.
Applicants must follow these guidelines:
- Nationality: Nigerian citizens.
- Age: 16 to 35 years.
- Location: Residents of Nigeria and Nigerians living in the diaspora can apply.
- Eligible forms: Short stories, poems and essays.
- Word limit: A maximum of 750 words.
- Language: English. The organisers also encourage works in indigenous languages when accompanied by English translations.
- Originality: All entries must be unpublished.
- Font: Arial.
- Font size: 11 points.
- Line spacing: 1.5.
Secondary school students, tertiary institution students, early-career professionals and emerging writers are welcome to participate. However, all applicants must meet the eligibility requirements.
Prizes and Judging Process
The competition offers cash prizes and interview features to the top three writers.
- First place: ₦200,000 and an interview feature on Stories From Nigeria.
- Second place: ₦150,000 and an interview feature.
- Third place: ₦100,000 and an interview feature.
How Entries Will Be Judged
The organisers will assess submissions anonymously. Authenticity, literary quality, storytelling and originality will account for 70% of the total score.
Meanwhile, cultural relevance, social impact and technical execution will make up the remaining 30%.
The organisers will remove ineligible submissions during the screening stage. They will then select between 20 and 40 stories for the longlist.
Next, the judges will shortlist 10 to 15 entries. A guest judge will make the final decision and select the winners.
Important Dates for the 2026 Competition
Applicants should take note of the following dates:
- 21 October 2026: Submissions open.
- 12 November 2026: Submission deadline.
- 30 November 2026: Judging ends.
- 7 December 2026: Winners announced at the maiden SFN Virtual Conference.
How to Apply
Interested writers should prepare an original story, poem or essay based on one of the five themes. Each entry must meet the word limit and formatting requirements.
Applicants must submit their work before 12 November 2026.
To participate, visit the official Stories From Nigeria submission page and follow the submission instructions.
