You don’t need permission to tell your story.
You only need to begin.
TYWA 2026 Breakdown
As we open up TheGoodFelo Young Writers' Award 2026, it's important that all submissions fully align with the unique expectations for this year's contest. We are pleased to share the following information with TheGoodFelo community.
There are 2 main categories for TYWA 2026; only one entry is allowed for each participant:
- Short Story (Adopt the recommended themes and follow the guidelines below, thank you!)
- Essay (Topic - The Nigeria We Know vs The One We Dream Of)
Submitting more than one entry is a ground for irrevocable disqualification. Hence, each participant is advised to submit only one entry in only one category.
General Submission Guideline.
Eligibility
> Open to young writers (e.g. ages 13–22)
> African residents
General Requirements
> All entries must be original and unpublished
> Submissions must be written in English
> One entry per category per participant
Short Story
> Word count: 200-500 words (including the title)
> Must reflect at least one of the following themes:
1. The Nigerian Experience. Explore the realities shaping everyday life in Nigeria.
2. Disability & Humanity. Tell stories that capture both the challenges and beauty of a prominent character with a disability
Essay
> Word count: 400 – 1,000 words
> Must centre on: “The Nigeria We Know vs The One We Dream Of” (Examine present realities and future possibilities.)
Disqualification Criteria
> Plagiarism
> Exceeding word count
> Failure to follow theme
> Incomplete submission details
Short Story Submission - What you should know.
HOW YOUR SUBMISSION WILL BE JUDGED/ASSESSED
Short Story Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
1. Originality & Creativity (25%)
> Fresh perspective
> Unique storytelling approach
> Avoidance of clichés
2. Thematic Relevance (20%)
> Clear connection to at least one required theme
> Depth of engagement (not surface-level mention)
3. Character & Emotional Depth (20%)
> Believable, well-developed characters
> Strong emotional impact
4. Language & Style (15%)
> Clarity, flow, and readability
> Effective use of literary devices (without overcomplicating)
5. Structure & Coherence (10%)
> Logical progression of ideas
> Strong beginning, middle, and end
6. Impact (10%)
> Does the story stay with the reader?
> Does it provoke thought, empathy, or reflection?
Additional Notes
> Plagiarism will result in automatic disqualification
> AI-generated or heavily assisted entries will not be accepted
> Judges’ decisions are final
Essay Submission - What you should know.
HOW YOUR SUBMISSION WILL BE JUDGED/ASSESSED
Essay Criteria
1. Clarity of Argument (25%)
> Clear central idea
> Logical and persuasive reasoning
2. Depth of Insight (25%)
> Thoughtfulness and originality
> Goes beyond obvious observations
3. Relevance to Theme (20%)
> Strong engagement with “The Nigeria We Know vs The One We Dream Of”
4. Structure & Flow (15%)
> Well-organised
> Smooth transitions between ideas
5. Language & Expression (15%)
> Clear, compelling, and accessible writing
Additional Notes
> Plagiarism will result in automatic disqualification
> AI-generated or heavily assisted entries will not be accepted
> Judges’ decisions are final