Nikki May, Chigozie Obioma, and Oyin Olugbile have emerged as the final three contenders for The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2025. The shortlist announcement on Thursday by the Advisory Board sets the stage for the grand ceremony on October 10, where one author will claim the $100,000 prize sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited.
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The three finalists represent a range of storytelling approaches and cultural perspectives that judges say exemplify the best of contemporary Nigerian prose writing. May’s “This Motherless Land” has been praised for its emotional depth and brilliant cross-cultural narrative that “successfully straddles the cultures of two different countries.”
Obioma’s “The Road to the Country” earned recognition for its masterful exploration of alternative realities woven into what judges described as “a captivating story of love, brotherhood and a devastating war.” Meanwhile, Olugbile’s “Sanya” was commended for maintaining pace and intrigue from cover to conclusion.
Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, chairman of the Advisory Board, revealed that this year’s judging process proved exceptionally challenging, with the quality of submissions stretching evaluation capabilities “to the limit.” The 11 works that made the initial longlist were characterised as excellent entries that created “daunting and unprecedented” challenges for adjudicators.
“This cycle has been one of the most competitive yet, with every entry showing an impressive level of excellence,” Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo noted, emphasising the rigour of the selection process that narrowed the field from 11 to three finalists.
The judging panel, led by Associate Professor Saeedat Bolajoko Aliyu from Kwara State University‘s Department of English, includes distinguished literary academics and media personalities. Professor Stephen Mbanefo Ogene of Nnamdi Azikiwe University brings comparative literature expertise, while Olakunle Kasumu contributes perspective as a writer, filmmaker, and host of Channels Television‘s Book Club.
The panel reiterated their commitment to identifying works that combine literary excellence with cultural relevance, seeking stories that are “exciting, entertaining and instructive” while addressing urgent societal issues.
The 2025 edition focuses on prose fiction as part of the prize’s rotating structure that cycles through four literary categories: prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature. This rotation ensures recognition across Nigeria’s diverse literary landscape while maintaining high standards within each genre.
The Advisory Board highlighted the technical sophistication demonstrated by all three finalists, noting their “masterful plotting, characterisation, and good command of language that transports readers into imagined worlds.” The works were praised as “carefully woven realities” rather than simple narratives.
Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo stated that the shortlisted works demonstrate “unflinching engagement with familiar yet urgent societal issues” while showcasing the authors’ skill in conflict resolution and literary craftsmanship.
The October ceremony will culminate months of anticipation as Nigeria’s literary community awaits the announcement of the winner who will join the prestigious roster of previous laureates of the continent’s premier literary recognition.
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