The Nigerian Army invites talented young Nigerians to showcase their literary prowess in the prestigious Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Literary Competition 2025.
This competition offers a platform for students at all levels – primary, secondary, and tertiary – to express their creativity and analytical skills while vying for substantial cash prizes totalling up to N1.7 million.
The theme for the 2025 competition is “The Nigerian Army: Securing the People and Promoting Development.”
Table of contents
Eligibility
The competition is open to Nigerian students within the following age groups:
- Primary School: Ages 5-11 years
- Secondary School: Ages 12-17 years
- Tertiary Institution: Ages 18-24 years
Categories
The COAS Literary Competition features three distinct categories:
- COAS Poetry Competition: Participants will compose original poems aligned with the competition theme.
- COAS Essay Competition: Participants will write essays based on the competition theme.
- COAS Art Competition: Participants will create original artwork reflecting the competition theme.
Prize Structure
The top three winners in each category and age group will receive the following prizes:
COAS Essay Competition:
- Ages 5-11 Years:
- 1st Position: N250,000.00
- 2nd Position: N100,000.00
- 3rd Position: N50,000.00
- Ages 12-17 Years:
- 1st Position: N600,000.00
- 2nd Position: N250,000.00
- 3rd Position: N100,000.00
- Ages 18-24 Years:
- 1st Position: N1,000,000.00
- 2nd Position: N500,000.00
- 3rd Position: N200,000.00
COAS Art Competition:
- Ages 5-11 Years:
- 1st Position: N250,000.00
- 2nd Position: N100,000.00
- 3rd Position: N50,000.00
- Ages 12-17 Years:
- 1st Position: N600,000.00
- 2nd Position: N250,000.00
- 3rd Position: N100,000.00
- Ages 18-24 Years:
- 1st Position: N1,000,000.00
- 2nd Position: N500,000.00
- 3rd Position: N200,000.00
COAS Poetry Competition:
- Ages 5-11 Years:
- 1st Position: N250,000.00
- 2nd Position: N100,000.00
- 3rd Position: N50,000.00
- Ages 12-17 Years:
- 1st Position: N600,000.00
- 2nd Position: N250,000.00
- 3rd Position: N100,000.00
- Ages 18-24 Years:
- 1st Position: N1,000,000.00
- 2nd Position: N500,000.00
- 3rd Position: N200,000.00
Application Process
- Complete the online application form for primary and secondary schools and register online for tertiary institutions here.
- Upload your completed application and your essay, artwork, or poem to the designated website: www.dcma.army.mil.ng by March 31st, 2025.
- All entries will undergo a two-stage assessment process. The first stage will shortlist candidates, and the second will involve virtual interaction with a panel of assessors.
- Ensure your submission is original and free of plagiarism.
- Winning entries may be published in NA journals or periodicals.
Deadline
The deadline for submission of entries is Monday, March 31st, 2025.
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your talent and win incredible prizes
