Oyin Olugbile has won the 2025 Nigeria Prize for Literature for her book ‘Sanya,’ receiving a cash award of $100,000 at a ceremony held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Eko Hotels, Lagos. The competition, considered the richest and most prestigious literary award in Africa, is sponsored by NLNG.
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Olugbile beat two other finalists, Chigozie Obioma’s The Road to the Country and Nikki May’s This Motherless Land, to claim the prize.
The Advisory Board for the prize, led by Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, announced the winner at the grand award ceremony.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature rotates among four genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature. The 2025 edition, themed “Inspire,” focused on prose fiction.
The judging panel was chaired by Associate Professor Saeedat Bolajoko Aliyu of the Department of English, Kwara State University. Other members included Professor Stephen Mbanefo Ogene, Professor of Comparative Literature at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and Mr Olakunle Kasumu, writer, filmmaker, producer, and host of Channels Television’s Book Club.
The judges stated that “The shortlist represents the best of Nigerian prose writing, exploring culturally-relevant themes and telling stories that are exciting, entertaining and instructive.”
They described the winning entry Sanya as “a fascinating novel,” adding: “From the cover to the plot that grabs attention, the author is unrelenting at keeping the story pacey and intriguing.”
Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo described the finalists as “exceptional,” stating: “Each work distinguishes itself through masterful plotting, characterisation, and a good command of language that transports readers into imagined worlds. These are not merely stories; they are carefully woven realities. They are compelling in their beauty, stirring in their emotional resonance, and unflinching in their engagement with familiar yet urgent societal issues. The way the writers handled and resolved conflict highlights their skill and literary standing, making these works quite outstanding.”
She noted that the cycle has been one of the most competitive yet, with every entry showing an impressive level of excellence that stretched their judgement to the limit.
“Still, we remain committed to excellence, honouring outstanding writings and keeping alive the vital conversation around Nigerian literature,” she said.
Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo commended all authors who submitted their works this year, saying: “It has been inspiring to witness such creativity and passion. On behalf of Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi, Professor Ahmed Yerima, and myself, I can say it is a privilege to be part of something so meaningful and honourable.”
She further commended the judging panel for their uncompromising evaluation, ensuring that only the most outstanding works earned a place in the shortlist of three.
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