The Nigerian Army has announced the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competitions 2026, themed “The NA: The People’s Army, Our Army.” This annual Literary Competitions initiative aims to promote creativity, patriotism, and intellectual engagement among Nigerian students. It is open to pupils in primary schools, students in secondary schools, and undergraduates in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The Chief of Army Staff Literary Competitions will run from Monday, 11th August 2025, to Tuesday, 31st March 2026. Participants are encouraged to express their views about the Nigerian Army through essay writing, art, or poetry.
Categories for the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competitions 2026
The Literary Competitions will feature three main categories open to the following age groups:
- Primary Schools (Ages 5–11)
- Secondary Schools (Ages 12–17)
- Undergraduates (All ages)
The categories include:
- COAS Essay Competition
- COAS Art Competition
- COAS Poetry Competition
Each category gives young Nigerians the opportunity to demonstrate creativity and express their understanding of the Army’s role in national development.
General Entry Guidelines
All participants in the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competitions 2026 must follow these key guidelines:
- Complete the application form online, print, and have it stamped by the Head of School before uploading it.
- The screening process will involve two stages: an initial shortlisting and a virtual interview with assessors.
- Entries must be original and free of plagiarism.
- All successful entries may be published in Nigerian Army journals or periodicals.
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Specific Entry Requirements
COAS Essay Competition
- Topics must align with the theme: “The NA: The People’s Army, Our Army.”
- Essay length:
- Primary & Secondary Schools: not more than 2,000 words.
- Undergraduates: between 3,000 and 5,000 words.
- Submissions must reflect original ideas.
COAS Art Competition
- Artwork must reflect the competition theme.
- Only painting and drawing are accepted.
- Include a short caption with your work.
- Artwork must be original and unpublished.
- Entries must be scanned or snapped and uploaded before 31st March 2026.
COAS Poetry Competition
- Poems must be original and written in English.
- Any poetic style or genre is acceptable.
- Word limit: maximum of 200 words.
Prizes and Awards
The Chief of Army Staff Literary Competitions 2026 offer generous cash prizes and certificates for winners in each category and age group.
COAS Essay Competition
Primary (Ages 5–11):
- 1st – N250,000
- 2nd – N100,000
- 3rd – N50,000
Secondary (Ages 12–17):
- 1st – N600,000
- 2nd – N250,000
- 3rd – N100,000
Undergraduates (All Ages):
- 1st – N1,000,000
- 2nd – N500,000
- 3rd – N200,000
COAS Art Competition
Primary (Ages 5–11):
- 1st – N250,000
- 2nd – N100,000
- 3rd – N50,000
Secondary (Ages 12–17):
- 1st – N600,000
- 2nd – N250,000
- 3rd – N100,000
Undergraduates (All Ages):
- 1st – N1,000,000
- 2nd – N500,000
- 3rd – N200,000
COAS Poetry Competition
Primary (Ages 5–11):
- 1st – N250,000
- 2nd – N100,000
- 3rd – N50,000
Secondary (Ages 12–17):
- 1st – N600,000
- 2nd – N250,000
- 3rd – N100,000
Undergraduates (All Ages):
- 1st – N1,000,000
- 2nd – N500,000
- 3rd – N200,000
Benefits of the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competitions 2026
- Win up to ₦1,000,000 in cash prizes
- Gain national recognition from the Nigerian Army
- Improve writing, art, and creative skills
- Strengthen your academic portfolio
- Get your work published in Army journals
- Express patriotism and civic pride
- Network with other young creatives across Nigeria
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Tips for a Successful Application
- Understand and reflect the theme “The NA: The People’s Army, Our Army.”
- Submit original and creative work
- Follow all entry guidelines and word limits
- Use clear, simple English and proper structure
- Get your school endorsement before submission
- Edit carefully and submit early before 31st March 2026
- Prepare for the virtual assessment stage
- Stay updated on official competition announcements
Participate with discipline and creativity. The Chief of Army Staff Literary Competitions 2026 reward originality, patriotism, and talent.
Key Dates and Submission Deadline
The closing date for the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competitions 2026 is Tuesday, 31st March 2026. Late entries will not be accepted.
Winners will receive their cash prizes and certificates at a special award event organized by the Nigerian Army. All winners will be notified of the date and venue for the prize presentation.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to complete your Chief of Army Staff Literary Competitions application correctly.
Step 1: Go to the official portal for the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competitions 2026. [ CLICK HERE ]
Step 2: Choose your category (Essay, Art, or Poetry).
Step 3: Fill and print the online form for your level.
Step 4: Get it endorsed and stamped by your Head of School.
Step 5: Scan and upload the endorsed form and your entry.
Step 6: Submit before 31st March 2026.
Step 7: Wait for updates on shortlisting and virtual assessment.
NOTE
Closing date for submission of entries is Tuesday, 31st March 2026. Cash prizes and certificates will be presented to all the winners at a specially organised event. All winners will be duly informed of the date and venue for the presentations of certificates and prizes.
Submission Deadline
The closing date is Tuesday, 31st March 2026.
