Writing Competition
3rd Annual Edition · 2026
SFN Annual Writing Competition
Now in its third year, the competition exists to amplify diverse Nigerian voices, celebrate local narratives, and give Nigerians a platform to share their experiences and perspectives through writing. This year's themes ask young writers to document contemporary Nigeria; its courts, hospitals, classrooms and businesses, and the people working to change them.
- Themes
- 5
- Words max
- 750
- In prizes
- ₦450,000
- Age range
- 16–35
Submissions close November 12, 2026 · 14 days left
The Themes
Choose one theme and tell your story in 750 words or less.
- Theme 01
Justice
The World Justice Project, Rule of Law Index ranks the Nigerian Justice System 120th out of 143 countries globally and 23rd out of 34 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Tell a story in 750 words or less about a personal or communal experience with Nigeria’s Justice System and how it shaped your perception of how easy it is for the common man to get justice in Nigeria.
- Theme 02
Healthcare
There is a crisis of medical brain drain in the Nigerian healthcare sector that has brought severe strain on local health delivery, increase in patient-to-doctor ratio, and worsening burnout. In 750 words or less, tell the story of the moment when your health or that of a loved one collided with the reality of what Nigeria’s system could or couldn’t provide and what can be done to mitigate this.
- Theme 03
Social Reform
Something around you wasn't working. And someone decided to do something about it. In 750 words or less, tell a story about a person, community or movement you witnessed creating change or about the moment you realised change had to start with you. It doesn't have to be a nationwide movement. Sometimes change starts with one person, one street, one classroom or one conversation.
- Theme 04
Education
Reports state that between 10-18 million Nigerian children are out of school. Behind that statistic is a child, a classroom, a decision made or denied. Tell a story in 750 words or less about what it has meant for you or someone in your community to access education in Nigeria, and what the journey revealed about who gets to learn, and who gets left behind.
- Theme 05
Entrepreneurship
Nigeria is globally recognized as one of the most naturally entrepreneurial nations. However, the day-to-day realities of the Nigerian entrepreneur are filled with hustle and hurdles. Tell a story in 750 words or less about what it has taken to build something of your own or watch someone else try to, in Nigeria.
Who Can Enter
Eligibility
- Nigerian citizens
- Aged 16 to 35
- Living in Nigeria or anywhere in the diaspora
Secondary and tertiary students, early-career professionals and emerging writers are all welcome.
Entry requirements
- Format
- Short stories, poetry and essays
- Length
- 750 words maximum
- Language
- English. Submissions in indigenous languages are encouraged, with an English translation included.
- Originality
- Unpublished work only
- Formatting
- Arial, size 11, 1.5 line spacing
Prizes
- First place₦200,000
Plus an interview feature on Stories From Nigeria
- Second place₦150,000
Plus an interview feature on Stories From Nigeria
- Third place₦100,000
Plus an interview feature on Stories From Nigeria
How Judging Works
Authenticity · Literary quality · Storytelling · Originality
Cultural relevance · Social impact · Technical execution
- Step 1
Screening
Ineligible submissions are removed.
- Step 2
Longlist
20 to 40 stories go through to the first round.
- Step 3
Shortlist
10 to 15 stories are chosen in the second round.
- Step 4
Final selection
A guest judge selects the winners.
Every entry is reviewed blind, from screening to the final selection, so stories are judged on the writing alone.
Key Dates
Submissions open
October 21, 2026
Submissions close
November 12, 2026
Judging ends
November 30, 2026
Winners announced
December 7, 2026
At the Maiden SFN Virtual Conference