The Nigeria Prize for Literature by the NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature was established in 2004, and since then, it has been running for the past 19 years.
The prize is worth $100,000, and it is aimed at improving the Nigerian literature industry by encouraging writers to write well and produce books that can stand the test of time.
In an interview with Farouk Mohammed, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, the Chairperson of the Advisory Board for the Nigeria Prize for Literature, shed more light on the history and objectives of the prize.
Q: Please can you tell us a little about the history and purpose of the NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature?
A: The Nigeria Prize for Literature was established in 2004, the same year as the Nigeria Prize for Science. The first prize was not awarded that year, because the judges not recommending any of the books submitted. Since then, the prize has been awarded virtually every year, with the aim of improving the Nigerian literary scene and the book chain, from writing to publishing to printing to marketing. The prize has also been a motivation for writers to write well, to create a group of writers, and to prove those who are more likely to do well in anything.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for the Prize and what are the criteria for selection?
A: First of all, The Nigeria Prize for Literature has four categories: prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature. Each year, a particular category is selected for submission. This year’s focus is on drama, and only plays will be submitted. The judges for the prize are usually three local judges and one international judge, all knowledgeable in the category in focus.
For instance, this year’s judges are experts in drama, teaching it, acting it, and writing plays themselves. The judges select the best book submitted in the category, according to the guidelines set by the Nigeria Prize for Literature.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are considering submitting their works for the prize?
A: We encourage writers to submit their books for the prize and to ensure they follow the guidelines. Books submitted for the prize must have been published between 2020 and 2023, and only plays will be accepted this year.
It’s important to note that the author must be a Nigerian citizen, either residing in Nigeria or abroad. Also, the book submitted must be original and not a translation of another work.
Q: What are some of the benefits of winning the prize beyond the $100,000?
Well, winning the prize also promotes your work. Because like the person who won it last year, many people have had many schools adopt the book. They are using it, they are asking for copies. So the publisher will produced more copies. So one benefit is that you will be more visible as a writer, and more people will know you in Nigeria and even outside. And then your books will sell more.
To submit a book for the prize, writers are advised to visit the prize’s website (www.thenigeriaprizes.org) to read the guidelines for submission.
