Poets in Nigeria (PIN) is pleased to announce the shortlist for the 6th edition of the Nigerian Students Poetry Prize (NSPP). The shortlisted entries, in no particular order, are as follows:
- SHADES OF TEDIUM | Johnson Onyedikachi Shaquille (University of Nigeria, Nsukka)
- REMINISCENCE | Oluwasegun Oluseyi Adesina (Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife)
- THE SPARROW HAWK | Ubeke, Mark Eche (Federal University, Wukari)
- TANK OF LIQUID MEMORIES | Sandra Uche Delumozie (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka)
- PORTRAIT OF WATER | Samuel A. Adeyemi (Federal University, Lokoja)
- NEIGHBOURHOOD | Eremika Favour Patarh-Ebere (University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt)
- A NAIRA SHY OF REBIRTH | Divine Inyang Titus (University of Uyo, Uyo)
- THE CRAZY BICYCLE WOMAN | Ezenwa Onugbolu (University of Lagos, Lagos)
- BINOCULARS | Haruna Abdulmajid (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria)
- STORIES IN THE WIND | Ebubechukwu Ifenna Udeoba (Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli)
According to Oguntoyinbo Shola Phebian, a member of the NSPP 2021 Jury including Prof. Amanze Akpuda, Dr. Soji Cole and Kukogho Iruesiri Samson: “At this stage, the task of the Judges is heightened by the intent to hit the shortlist. Hence, the critical search for unique lines considering such factors as technique: aesthetics in content and form, the musicality of the language, originality, the resourcefulness of free verse or rhymes, structural arrangement, as well as the artistic energy, tone and other core elements required in poetic appraisal.”
Instituted in 2016 to promote literary excellence amongst Nigerian undergraduates, the prize has had five grand prize winners – Noah Oladele, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (2016); Bakre Fadil Adedamola, University of Ibadan (2017); Godstime Tamunofiri Iberiyenari, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Yenagoa (2018); Ogugua Micah Okoye, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (2019); and Okwubi Godwin Adah (University of Benin).
The prize winners (top three entrants) of this current edition will be announced at the NSPP Awards slated for Friday 15th October, 2021 at the Board Room, Otunba Subomi Balogun Conference Centre, University of Ibadan Hotel, Ibadan (11 AM).
Kolade Olanrewaju Freedom
Moderator, NSPP 2021