Poets in Nigeria (PIN) is pleased to announce the longlist for the fourth edition of the Nigerian Students Poetry Prize (NSPP) which closed to submissions on 15th March, 2019. The longlisted entries, in no particular order, are as follows:
- WE ARE RESPLENDENT | Udeoba Ebubechukwu (Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli)
- BAMBOO FLUTE | Atofarati Faruq Umar (University of Ilorin)
- DEPRESSION IS NOT A PRIVILEGE OF THE WEST | Lawson Williams Lawson (Niger Delta University Wilberforce Island, Yenagoa)
- AN ARTEFACT OF A GROIN WAR | Ehi-kowochio Ogwiji (University of Ibadan)
- THE LAST DINNER (The Lost Piece of a Broken little girl) | Anuoluwa Olusegun Soneye (Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife)
- MICAH | Ogugua Micah Okoye (Enugu State University of Science and Technology Enugu)
- BEAUTY AND THE BEAST | Taiwo James Adeolu (University of Agriculture, Abeokuta)
- SHOW ALL LOVE SOME LOVE |Oladipo Jesutoba Olayinka (University of Agriculture, Abeokuta)
- THE VISIT | Ibelachi Franklyn Chinedu (Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli)
- HOPE IS ALIVE | Adewara Joses (University of Ilorin)
- SWEET STORY | Oji Kester Chukwunalu (Delta State University, Abraka)
- WHEN THE TABLE TURNS | Oladejo Oluwatosin (University of Lagos)
- TRANSFORMATION | Muhammed Sulaimon Abiodun (University of Ibadan)
- WAILING MOTHER | Oghenetega praise Offideh (University of Benin)
- AFRICA: A COMPENDIUM OF AFFLICTIONS | Hussani Abdulrahim (Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto)
- I RETURNED AND SAW UNDER THE SUN | Anthony Chukwuemeka Okpunor (University of Benin)
- SUPERPOSITION OF STATES | Chijioke Stephen Ogomegbunam (Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli)
- I AM A NORTHERNER | Oluseyi Abisoye Sumanu (Bayero University, Kano)
- TRIBAL MARKS | Nwaeze God’stime (FCT College of Education, Zuba)
- SUICIDE WARNING SIGNS | Okpara Ugochukwu Damian (Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli)
The NSPP judging panel, including Prof. Al-Bishak, Kukogho Iruesiri Samson, Prof. Hulya Yilmaz, Dr. Obari Gomba and Gbenga Adesina, reviewed a total of 504 entries to select the top 100 poems, and now, a longlist of 20 poems. Prof. Al-Bishak captured his judging experience thus: “I have gone through the poems several times. I have done my ranking based on the poems with less grammatical flaws. That is, some poems could have emerged tops but because they are in a competition, language command is of essence, and that being considered, they have lower ranking. Language is the most critical and technical aspect of poetry because of its laconic nature and weight of meaning per density of words. Its entire meaning is rooted in the choice of words. So once language is compromised, it loses its meaning.
However, the ranking does not suggest that grammar is the only consideration. No, the message delivery via the skillful use of words plays a key role.”
A shortlist of 10 poems will be announced on 27th June, 2019 while the prize winners will be revealed at the NSPP Awards slated for 6th July at Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Kolade Olanrewaju Freedom
Moderator, NSPP 2019