Nigerian Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Literary Competitions 2025: Win Up to ₦1,000,000 in Essay, Art, and Poetry!

The Nigerian Army is excited to host the 2025 Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Literary Competitions with the theme, “The Nigerian Army: Securing the People and Promoting Development.” This competition invites entries from Nigerian primary and secondary school students, as well as undergraduates, from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.

Competition Categories

The COAS Literary Competitions 2025 include three main categories open to various age groups:

• Essay Competition
• Art Competition
• Poetry Competition

Eligible Age Groups:

• Primary School: Ages 5 – 11
• Secondary School: Ages 12 – 17
• Undergraduate: Open to all ages

Entry Guidelines

General Requirements:

• Each applicant must complete an online application, print, sign, and obtain a school endorsement. The endorsed form should be scanned and uploaded.
• The selection will occur in two phases: an initial shortlisting process, followed by virtual interviews with shortlisted candidates.
• Only original works are eligible; any entry found to be plagiarized will be disqualified.
• Selected entries may be published in Nigerian Army journals or periodicals.

Specific Requirements by Category:

1. Essay Competition
   • Essays should align with the theme, “The Nigerian Army: Securing the People and Promoting Development.”
   • Word Limit:
     • Primary and secondary school entries: up to 2,000 words
     • Undergraduate entries: 3,000 to 5,000 words
   • The essay must reflect the author’s original ideas and insights.
2. Art Competition
   • Artworks should be focused on the theme and may include paintings or drawings.
   • Each piece must be accompanied by a brief caption.
   • All artwork must be original and unpublished.
   • Submissions should be scanned or photographed and uploaded by March 31, 2025.
3. Poetry Competition
   • Poems must relate to the theme and be original.
   • Any genre is accepted, with a maximum length of 200 words.
   • All poems must be written in English.

Prizes and Awards

Each category awards cash prizes and certificates across the primary, secondary, and undergraduate levels:

Essay Competition

• Primary School (Ages 5–11):
  • 1st Place: ₦250,000
  • 2nd Place: ₦100,000
  • 3rd Place: ₦50,000
• Secondary School (Ages 12–17):
  • 1st Place: ₦600,000
  • 2nd Place: ₦250,000
  • 3rd Place: ₦100,000
• Undergraduate:
  • 1st Place: ₦1,000,000
  • 2nd Place: ₦500,000
  • 3rd Place: ₦200,000

Art Competition

• Primary School (Ages 5–11):
  • 1st Place: ₦250,000
  • 2nd Place: ₦100,000
  • 3rd Place: ₦50,000
• Secondary School (Ages 12–17):
  • 1st Place: ₦600,000
  • 2nd Place: ₦250,000
  • 3rd Place: ₦100,000
• Undergraduate:
  • 1st Place: ₦1,000,000
  • 2nd Place: ₦500,000
  • 3rd Place: ₦200,000

Poetry Competition

• Primary School (Ages 5–11):
  • 1st Place: ₦250,000
  • 2nd Place: ₦100,000
  • 3rd Place: ₦50,000
• Secondary School (Ages 12–17):
  • 1st Place: ₦600,000
  • 2nd Place: ₦250,000
  • 3rd Place: ₦100,000
• Undergraduate:
  • 1st Place: ₦1,000,000
  • 2nd Place: ₦500,000
  • 3rd Place: ₦200,000

Important Notes

• Submission Deadline: All entries must be submitted by March 31, 2025.
• Award Ceremony: Winners will receive their certificates and cash prizes at a dedicated award event. Details of the event will be communicated to the winners directly.

This is an exceptional opportunity for young Nigerians to showcase their talents, celebrate their culture, and reflect on the impact of the Nigerian Army’s contributions to society. Don’t miss your chance to participate in the COAS Literary Competitions 2025!