Fellows
Meet our fellowship recipients — emerging Nigerian poets recognized for their commendable, experimental, brilliant, and daring work that expands the African Literary Canon.
Supporting Nigerian Poetry Excellence Since 2021
Fellowship prize increased to ₦500,000 thanks to donations from Ruth Zakari and Ope Adedeji
Prize: ₦125,000 each
Timi Sanni
“Fragments of Memory”
Writer, editor and multidisciplinary artist. Winner of the 2022 Kreative Diadem Writing Contest, 2021 Anita McAndrews Award Poetry Contest, and 2020 SprinNG Poetry Contest.
Chiwenite Onyekwelu
“Urban Psalms”
Nigerian poet described as lighthearted. Winner of the 2020 Jack Grapes Poetry Prize, finalist for the 2021 New York Encounter Poetry Contest.
Samuel A. Adeyemi
“River Songs”
Writer and editor from Nigeria. Best of the Net and Pushcart Nominee, winner of the Nigerian Students Poetry Prize 2021.
Adesiyan Oluwapelumi
“Mouthful with Cinders”
Medical student, poet, and essayist. Poetry Editor of Fiery Scribe Review. Chapbook selected by Chris Abani and Kwame Dawes for APBF New-Generation African Poets Box-set (Akashic Books, 2025).
Published in HUSK microchapbook
Prize: ₦100,000 each
Elias Udo-Ochi
“FLOWERBOYS”
Queer Nigerian poet and literary critic of Igbo descent. 2nd place, 2022 Penrose Poetry Prize. Longlisted for Black Warrior Review Poetry Contest.
Iheoma J. Uzomba
“Forgiving God”
Poet, researcher, and staff writer at Open Country Mag. Winner of 2025 Prairie Schooner Award for Poetry and 2022 Lagos/London Poetry Competition.
Michael Imossan
“All That Refuses to Die”
Poet, playwright, and editor of Ibibio origin. Winner of 2024 Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets (University of Nebraska Press).
Sodïq Oyèkànmí
“Sacred Geometry”
Poet, playwright, dramaturge, and Poetry Editor at Lucent Dreaming. 2024 Best of the Net winner. 2x Pushcart Prize nominee.
Inaugural fellowship recipients
Prize: ₦50,000 each
Njoku Nonso
“First Light”
Igbo-born poet, essayist, and medical student from Ojoto. Winner of 2022 Boston Review Annual Poetry Contest (selected by Donika Kelly) and 2024 New Writers Poetry Competition UK.
Haneefah Bello
“Desert Blooms”
Poet and short story writer from Edo State. Law student at University of Ibadan. Winner of Loft Books Short Story Competition.
Olúwatamílọ́re Ọ̀shọ́
“Yoruba Dreams”
Emerging poet from Lagos of mixed Igbo-Yoruba heritage. Editorial assistant at 20.35 Africa. Published in ANMLY, PANK Magazine, and Roadrunner Review.
Jesuferanmi Lewis Igbinigie
“Ocean Stories”
Poet and pharmacy graduate from University of Ibadan. Winner of the inaugural Punocracy Prize for Satire (2019).
Fellows Supported
Recognizing and celebrating exceptional talent in the Nigerian poetry community since 2021.
Publications & Recognition
Fellows receive publication opportunities and ongoing support for their literary careers.
Annual Program
Our fellowship program continues to grow, with increased prize amounts and expanded opportunities.