Institutional development · Student experience, equity and outcomes · Nigeria
University of Ilorin wins first Kwara Campus Poetry Championship and NGN 1 million prize
A five-student team from Nigeria's University of Ilorin took the top place at the first inter-campus poetry championship for tertiary institutions in Kwara State, held on 24 October.
Why it matters: University of Ilorin student poets gain an NGN 1 million cash prize and a first-edition title in a contest open to Kwara State tertiary institutions.
The University of Ilorin said it was overall winner of the first Kwara Campus Poetry Championship (KCPC), beating other participating institutions and receiving a cash prize of NGN 1 million (Nigerian naira).
According to the university, a team of five students won the championship, which took place on 24 October 2026 at the Ilorin Innovation Hub in Ilorin.
The contest was organised by the Ilorin Creative and Cultural Foundation with the Kwara Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), under a theme linking poetry to gender relations, social responsibility and nation building.
The university reported that the first edition opened with a capacity-building workshop on 3 October 2026 and offered participants mentorship, networking and awards including trophies, certificates and cash prizes.
Editor’s view
Rachel Smith, Students and International Editor
The University of Ilorin's student team holds the title and the NGN 1 million prize from the contest's first edition, which was designed to identify and develop young poets across tertiary institutions in Kwara State.
