The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Literary Competition 2024 is back with its second edition, offering a fantastic opportunity for young students across Nigeria to showcase their talents in writing, art, and poetry. With a total prize pool of ₦1.7 million, the competition is open to students at all academic levels, from primary school to tertiary institutions.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the competition, including eligibility requirements, categories, benefits, and how to submit a successful application.


Overview of the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition 2024

  • Host: Nigerian Army
  • Categories: Essay, Art, Poetry Competitions
  • Eligible Applicants: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Institution Students in Nigeria
  • Prize: ₦1.7 million in total prizes
  • Deadline: March 31, 2025
  • Age Brackets:
    • 5-11 years: Primary School
    • 12-17 years: Secondary School
    • 18-24 years: Tertiary Institution
  • No IELTS Required for participation

About the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition 2024

This competition, organized by the Nigerian Army, aims to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and patriotism among Nigerian students. The theme for this year’s competition is “The Nigerian Army: Securing the People and Promoting Development.” Participants can submit their work under three categories: essay writing, art, or poetry, with each category offering exciting prizes for winners.

Categories and Age Groups:

  1. COAS Essay Competition:
    • Open to students in Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary institutions.
    • Word limit:
      • Primary and Secondary Schools: Up to 2000 words.
      • Tertiary Institutions: 3000-5000 words.
    • Topics are derived from the competition’s theme.
  2. COAS Art Competition:
    • Artworks should reflect the theme and be submitted within the specific age groups.
  3. COAS Poetry Competition:
    • Poems should be original works that relate to the competition theme.
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Eligibility Requirements for the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition

To participate in the COAS Literary Competition 2024, applicants must adhere to the following:

  1. Age Groups:
    • 5-11 years for primary school students.
    • 12-17 years for secondary school students.
    • 18-24 years for tertiary institution students.
  2. Originality: All entries must be original and free from plagiarism. Plagiarized works will be automatically disqualified.
  3. Submission Process:
    • Primary and Secondary School applicants must complete the online application form, print it, get it stamped by their school head, and upload the scanned copy.
    • Tertiary Institution applicants will complete their application entirely online.
    • Entries must be submitted before the deadline of March 31, 2025.
  4. Assessment Levels: There are two stages in the selection process:
    • Initial assessment to shortlist entries.
    • Virtual interaction with assessors for the final selection of winners.

Prize Breakdown for Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition 2024

The competition offers cash prizes for each category across different age groups:

COAS Essay Competition

  • Ages 5-11:
    • 1st Place: ₦250,000
    • 2nd Place: ₦100,000
    • 3rd Place: ₦50,000
  • Ages 12-17:
    • 1st Place: ₦600,000
    • 2nd Place: ₦250,000
    • 3rd Place: ₦100,000
  • Ages 18-24:
    • 1st Place: ₦1,000,000
    • 2nd Place: ₦500,000
    • 3rd Place: ₦200,000

COAS Art Competition

  • Ages 5-11:
    • 1st Place: ₦250,000
    • 2nd Place: ₦100,000
    • 3rd Place: ₦50,000
  • Ages 12-17:
    • 1st Place: ₦600,000
    • 2nd Place: ₦250,000
    • 3rd Place: ₦100,000
  • Ages 18-24:
    • 1st Place: ₦1,000,000
    • 2nd Place: ₦500,000
    • 3rd Place: ₦200,000

COAS Poetry Competition

  • Ages 5-11:
    • 1st Place: ₦250,000
    • 2nd Place: ₦100,000
    • 3rd Place: ₦50,000
  • Ages 12-17:
    • 1st Place: ₦600,000
    • 2nd Place: ₦250,000
    • 3rd Place: ₦100,000
  • Ages 18-24:
    • 1st Place: ₦1,000,000
    • 2nd Place: ₦500,000
    • 3rd Place: ₦200,000
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How to Apply for Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition 2024: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the COAS Literary Competition:

  1. Visit the Nigerian Army Website: Begin by visiting the official website for the competition. You will find more details on the categories and submission process.
  2. Complete the Online Application:
    • Primary and Secondary School applicants need to complete the online form, print, endorse by their school head, and upload it.
    • Tertiary applicants can complete the form online without printing.
  3. Prepare Your Entry: Write your essay, create your artwork, or compose your poem following the competition’s theme and entry guidelines.
  4. Upload Your Work: Take a high-quality photo or scan of your entry and upload it to the designated submission portal.
  5. Submit Before Deadline: All entries must be submitted by March 31, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.

The Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition 2024 provides an excellent platform for young Nigerians to express their creativity and ideas while competing for significant cash prizes. Whether you excel in writing, art, or poetry, this competition offers you a chance to showcase your talents and gain national recognition.

Make sure to start early, follow the guidelines, and submit your best work by the deadline for a chance to win. Good luck!

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