Apply Now: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Literary Competition 2025 | Win Up to ₦10 Million in Prizes
Job Description
The Nigerian Army has officially announced the second edition of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Literary Competition 2025 — an exciting initiative that celebrates creativity, intellect, and patriotism among Nigerian students.
This national competition seeks to engage young minds across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions through writing, poetry, and art, encouraging participants to reflect on the vital role of the Nigerian Army in nation-building and community development.
With a total prize pool of ₦10 million, the COAS Literary Competition remains one of the most rewarding student contests in Nigeria, offering participants national recognition, mentorship opportunities, and cash awards.
Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition 2025 Summary
- Host: Nigerian Army
- Category: High School Scholarships | Undergraduate Scholarships | National Competitions
- Eligible Country: Nigeria
- Reward: ₦10 Million in Prizes & Awards
- IELTS Requirement: Not Required
- Deadline: March 31, 2026
About the COAS Literary Competition
The COAS Literary Competition 2025 is organized by the Nigerian Army with the theme:
“The Nigerian Army: Securing the People and Promoting Development.”
The competition aims to showcase the creativity and intellectual potential of Nigerian youths while promoting peace, patriotism, and national unity.
It is open to all students across Nigeria in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.
All entries must be original, free of plagiarism, and submitted before the deadline. Entries received after the closing date will not be considered.
Winners will be notified via email, their respective schools, and also announced on the official Nigerian Army webpage.
Competition Categories
The COAS Literary Competition features three major categories across different educational levels and age groups:
| Category | Eligible Ages | Level |
|---|---|---|
| 5 – 11 years | Primary Schools | |
| 12 – 17 years | Secondary Schools | |
| 18 – 24 years | Tertiary Institutions |
Competition Areas:
- COAS Essay Competition
- COAS Art Competition
- COAS Poetry Competition
Eligibility Requirements
General Requirements
- Application forms for primary and secondary schools must be filled online, printed, signed, and stamped by the Head of School, then scanned and uploaded on the official portal.
- Applicants from tertiary institutions should complete their online registration directly.
The competition will involve two stages of assessment:
-
- Initial review and shortlisting of qualified entries.
- Virtual interaction/interview with assessors before final selection.
- Any entry discovered to contain non-original content will be automatically disqualified.
- Selected works may be published in the Nigerian Army Journals or official periodicals.
Specific Entry Guidelines
COAS Essay Competition
- Essay topics must relate to the official theme: “The Nigerian Army: Securing the People and Promoting Development.”
- Essay length:
-
- Primary and Secondary Schools: Up to 2,000 words
- Tertiary Institutions: Between 3,000 – 5,000 words
- Essays must be original and reflect the writer’s own perspective and understanding.
Prize Breakdown
COAS Essay Competition
| Age Group | 1st Prize | 2nd Prize | 3rd Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–11 Years | ₦250,000 | ₦100,000 | ₦50,000 |
| 12–17 Years | ₦600,000 | ₦250,000 | ₦100,000 |
| 18–24 Years | ₦1,000,000 | ₦500,000 | ₦200,000 |
COAS Art Competition
| Age Group | 1st Prize | 2nd Prize | 3rd Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–11 Years | ₦250,000 | ₦100,000 | ₦50,000 |
| 12–17 Years | ₦600,000 | ₦250,000 | ₦100,000 |
| 18–24 Years | ₦1,000,000 | ₦500,000 | ₦200,000 |
COAS Poetry Competition
| Age Group | 1st Prize | 2nd Prize | 3rd Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–11 Years | ₦250,000 | ₦100,000 | ₦50,000 |
| 12–17 Years | ₦600,000 | ₦250,000 | ₦100,000 |
| 18–24 Years | ₦1,000,000 | ₦500,000 | ₦200,000 |
Additional Rewards
- All winners will receive official certificates of achievement from the Nigerian Army.
- Outstanding entries may be published or featured on official Army media platforms.
- Winners will also be invited to a special award ceremony, where they’ll meet senior officers and national leaders.
Important Dates
- Opening of Applications: October 1, 2024
- Closing Date: March 31, 2025
- Award Ceremony: To be announced after results are released
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Visit the Nigerian Army official website to access the competition portal.
- Fill out the online application form corresponding to your educational level.
For primary and secondary applicants:
-
- Print and endorse your form with your Head of School’s signature and stamp.
- Scan and upload the completed form.
- Upload your original essay, art, or poem in the required format.
- Ensure your entry is submitted before March 31, 2025.
Entries submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Note: Winners will be formally contacted via email and their schools regarding the date and venue of the prize presentation ceremony.
Apply here
Requirements
General Requirements
- Application forms for primary and secondary schools must be filled online, printed, signed, and stamped by the Head of School, then scanned and uploaded on the official portal.
- Applicants from tertiary institutions should complete their online registration directly.
The competition will involve two stages of assessment:
-
- Initial review and shortlisting of qualified entries.
- Virtual interaction/interview with assessors before final selection.
- Any entry discovered to contain non-original content will be automatically disqualified.
- Selected works may be published in the Nigerian Army Journals or official periodicals.
Specific Entry Guidelines
COAS Essay Competition
- Essay topics must relate to the official theme: “The Nigerian Army: Securing the People and Promoting Development.”
- Essay length:
-
- Primary and Secondary Schools: Up to 2,000 words
- Tertiary Institutions: Between 3,000 – 5,000 words
- Essays must be original and reflect the writer’s own perspective and understanding.
Prize Breakdown
COAS Essay Competition
| Age Group | 1st Prize | 2nd Prize | 3rd Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–11 Years | ₦250,000 | ₦100,000 | ₦50,000 |
| 12–17 Years | ₦600,000 | ₦250,000 | ₦100,000 |
| 18–24 Years | ₦1,000,000 | ₦500,000 | ₦200,000 |
COAS Art Competition
| Age Group | 1st Prize | 2nd Prize | 3rd Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–11 Years | ₦250,000 | ₦100,000 | ₦50,000 |
| 12–17 Years | ₦600,000 | ₦250,000 | ₦100,000 |
| 18–24 Years | ₦1,000,000 | ₦500,000 | ₦200,000 |
COAS Poetry Competition
| Age Group | 1st Prize | 2nd Prize | 3rd Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–11 Years | ₦250,000 | ₦100,000 | ₦50,000 |
| 12–17 Years | ₦600,000 | ₦250,000 | ₦100,000 |
| 18–24 Years | ₦1,000,000 | ₦500,000 | ₦200,000 |
Additional Rewards
- All winners will receive official certificates of achievement from the Nigerian Army.
- Outstanding entries may be published or featured on official Army media platforms.
- Winners will also be invited to a special award ceremony, where they’ll meet senior officers and national leaders.
Important Dates
- Opening of Applications: October 1, 2024
- Closing Date: March 31, 2025
- Award Ceremony: To be announced after results are released
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Visit the Nigerian Army official website to access the competition portal.
- Fill out the online application form corresponding to your educational level.
For primary and secondary applicants:
-
- Print and endorse your form with your Head of School’s signature and stamp.
- Scan and upload the completed form.
- Upload your original essay, art, or poem in the required format.
- Ensure your entry is submitted before March 31, 2025.
Entries submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Note: Winners will be formally contacted via email and their schools regarding the date and venue of the prize presentation ceremony.