Joe Ushie Literature Foundation

14/04/2026

Well well well...

While you're packaging your entries, I say make I drop this one here

ANA AUTHOR OF THE WEEK

PROFJOSEPH AKAWU USHIE (ANA/AUTHWK/001)

11/04/2026

The JUPP27 Cycle

Call for entries — March
Close of entries — April
Longlist — June/July-ish
Shortlist — September/October-ish
Finalists — December (sure)
Winner/Award Ceremony — January 20, 2027 (firm)

Please, keep this timeline in mind.

And please watch this space for all major announcements; we only personally contact entrants if they have been longlisted/shortlisted.

10/04/2026

With a heavy heart, the Joe Ushie Literature Foundation mourns the passing of Prof. Kalu Uka.

Prof. Uka was a distinguished poet and playwright of the first generation, and an excellent academic.

He dedicated his life to liberation and to the mentoring of the younger generation at the Universities of Uyo and Calabar, as well as other distinguished institutions.

He will indeed be greatly missed.

Rest in peace, Iroko. Your words will certainly endure.

09/04/2026

A crucial part of competing for a prize, besides writing a solid entry, is following guidelines.

Last year, we unfortunately had to disqualify some entries for not complying with the Prize rules.

Do check out the JUPP27 rules before you submit to ensure your efforts are not wasted:

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES Thank you for your interest in submitting an entry for the 2027 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize. Please follow the guidelines below: The Joe Ushie Poetry Prize appreciates your interest and looks forward to reading your entry. 0 Share Facebook 1 Share Twitter 0 Share Pinterest 2 Share F...

09/04/2026

ENTER FOR THE 2027 JOE USHIE POETRY PRIZE IN 5 EASY STEPS

1. Go to https://joeushiepoetryprize.com

2. Click on "Submissions" in the menu

3. Read the rules (very important)

4. Gather all necessary documents

5. Fill out the Google form, upload documents and submit your entry

Please, do not submit twice 🙏 Double entries will result in immediate disqualification.

if you run into any trouble, reach out to us via the right channels.

for the love of poetry

06/04/2026

PSA: 15 Days Left to Enter for the 2027 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize.

https://joeushiepoetryprize.com/2026/03/20/joe-ushie-poetry-prize-2027/

04/04/2026

04/04/2026

The Hon. Comm. for Education of Akwa Ibom State, Prof. Ubong Umoh, felicitating with Eliongema Udofia (Winner of the 2026 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize) and Chijioke Michael Enechi (Winner of the JULF/GenDream Poetry Digital Influencer Award) during the JUPP26 award ceremony held on 20 January 2026 at the University of Uyo.

The Joe Ushie Poetry Prize is poised to become a platform for greater visibility and critical connection for young Nigerian writers. We believe that good art needs to be seen and felt by the world to reach its full potential. And one way this happens is through the integration of arts and education.

03/04/2026

The Joe Ushie Literature Foundation wishes everyone a Happy Good Friday.

As we celebrate Easter, we meditate on the sacrifices of our Lord Jesus Christ and on their significance for all of humanity.

We also pray for our dear nation Nigeria in this moment of deep crisis.

02/04/2026

The moment Eliongema Udofia was announced Winner of the 2026 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize and was presented with his plaque by Prof. Joe Ushie himself during the award ceremony on 20 January 2026 at the great University of Uyo, making him our inaugural laureate.

No better memory to welcome the new month with...

https://joeushiepoetryprize.com/2026/03/20/joe-ushie-poetry-prize-2027/

29/03/2026

In vain your bangles cast
Charm circles at my feet
I am abiku
Calling for the first and repeated time..

- WS, "Abiku"

Oya, we are still calling on all Nigerian poets to enter for the 2027 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize. The clock is ticking.



Joe Ushie Literature Foundation

The Prize welcomes Nigerian writers aged 18 and above, regardless of where they live.The winner of the 2027 edition will receive a $500 cash prize and recognition at an award ceremony scheduled for 20th January, 2027.