The Nigerian Army is organising the COAS Literary Competitions 2026 with the theme “The NA: The People’s Army, Our Army”. The competition is open to applicants in Primary and Secondary Schools as well as undergraduates in Nigeria from Monday, 11th August 2025 to Tuesday, 31st March 2026.
When is the Application Deadline:
Tuesday, 31st March 2026
Tell Me About the Competition:
The 3rd Edition of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Literary Competitions 2026, organised by the Nigerian Army, celebrates creativity, patriotism, and intellectual excellence among Nigerian students.
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This year’s theme is “The NA: The People’s Army, Our Army.”
The competition invites entries from primary school pupils, secondary school students, and undergraduates across Nigeria to express their talents through Essay Writing, Poetry, and Art.
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Which Categories are Open?
🖋️ Essay Competition
🎨 Art Competition (Painting and Drawing only)
📜 Poetry Competition
Type:
🎓 National Literary & Art Competition
Who can Participate?
✅ Primary School Pupils (Ages 5–11)
✅ Secondary School Students (Ages 12–17)
✅ Undergraduates in any accredited Nigerian tertiary institution
How are Participants Selected?
Entries will go through two stages of evaluation:
- Initial Screening – to shortlist top submissions.
- Virtual Assessment – with a panel of judges for final selection.
Only original works will be accepted. Plagiarized or previously published submissions will be disqualified.
Which Country is Eligible?
Nigeria
Where will the Competition Take Place?
Nigeria
How Many Winners?
Multiple winners will emerge across three categories and three education levels (Primary, Secondary, and Undergraduate).
What are the Prizes?
Essay Competition:
- Primary: ₦250,000 / ₦100,000 / ₦50,000
- Secondary: ₦600,000 / ₦250,000 / ₦100,000
- Undergraduate: ₦1,000,000 / ₦500,000 / ₦200,000
🎨 Art Competition:
- Primary: ₦250,000 / ₦100,000 / ₦50,000
- Secondary: ₦600,000 / ₦250,000 / ₦100,000
- Undergraduate: ₦1,000,000 / ₦500,000 / ₦200,000
📜 Poetry Competition:
- Primary: ₦250,000 / ₦100,000 / ₦50,000
- Secondary: ₦600,000 / ₦250,000 / ₦100,000
- Undergraduate: ₦1,000,000 / ₦500,000 / ₦200,000
🏅 Winners will also receive certificates and be recognized at a national event organized by the Nigerian Army.
How Long Will the Competition Last?
Entries are open from Monday, 11th August 2025 to Tuesday, 31st March 2026.
How to Apply:
- Visit the official portal 👉 https://dcma.vercel.app/competition/
- Complete and print the online application form.
- Ensure it’s signed and stamped by your Head of School (for pupils and secondary students).
- Scan and upload the endorsed form with your entry (essay, poem, or artwork).
Submit all materials before 31st March 2026.
