A. Introduction
The Nigerian Bar Association – Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) invites entries for the 2025 Essay, Poetry & Spoken Word Competition as part of activities marking its Annual Conference themed ‘A Banner Without Stain: Justice, Accountability and Development.’ The competition aims to inspire young legal minds to reflect on the interconnection between justice, ethical governance, and sustainable development in Nigeria, while promoting creativity and advocacy through written and spoken expression.
B. CATEGORIES OF ENTRY
1. YOUNG LAWYERS CATEGORY
(Open to all legal practitioners who have been called to the Nigerian Bar within the last seven years — i.e., Call Years 2018–2025)
Participants in this category may submit entries in any of the following subcategories:
- (i). Essay Writing:
Analytical or argumentative essays (1,500–2,000 words) addressing the conference theme or any aspect of justice, accountability, and development in Nigeria.
- (ii). Poetry:
Original poems (maximum 40 lines) inspired by the conference theme.
- (iii). Spoken Word Performance:
Audio or video presentation (maximum 3 minutes) creatively exploring the theme.
2. LAW STUDENTS CATEGORY
(Open to all registered undergraduate law students in Nigerian universities and law faculties.)
Subcategories include:
• (i). Essay Writing: 1,000–1,500 words, well-researched and original essays on the conference theme.
• (ii). Poetry: Original compositions (not exceeding 35 lines).
• (iii). Spoken Word Performance: Recorded presentation (not exceeding 3 minutes) exploring the theme creatively.
C. GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION
- All entries must be original, unpublished works reflecting the conference theme.
- Each participant may submit only one entry per subcategory.
- Essays should be in Word or PDF format, with Times New Roman font, size 12, double spacing.
- Poetry entries should be clearly titled, with the author’s name and contact details on a separate cover page.
- Spoken Word submissions should be in MP4 or MP3 format (not exceeding 25MB).
- All entries must include: Full Name, Institution / Law School / Call Year, Category (Young Lawyer or Law Student), Contact Phone Number, and Email Address.
- Submissions should be sent via email to: nbaspidel2025competitions@gmail.com
Subject line: “NBA-SPIDEL 2025 Essay/Poetry/Spoken Word Competition – [Category]”.
D. DEADLINES AND KEY DATES
- Deadline for Submission: 5th November 2025
• Screening and Evaluation Period: 6th – 18th November 2025
• Announcement of Results: 20th November 2025
• Award Presentation: During the NBA-SPIDEL 2025 Conference (Opening Ceremony – 2ndDecember 2025, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State)
E. PRIZES AND RECOGNITION
Separate prizes will be awarded in each subcategory (Essay, Poetry, Spoken Word) under both the Young Lawyers and Law Students categories.
1st Prize:
Plaque of Excellence + N75,000 Cash Award + Publication in SPIDEL Conference Compendium + Complimentary Conference Registration, Transportation & Accommodation
2nd Prize:
Certificate of Participation + N50,000 Cash Award + Complimentary Conference Registration + Publication in SPIDEL Conference Compendium
3rd Prize:
Certificate of Participation + N25 ,000 Cash Award + Complimentary Conference Registration + Publication SPIDEL Conference Compendium
All winners will receive official certificates and will be formally presented during the NBA-SPIDEL 2025 Conference in Uyo. Selected works may also be featured in the conference magazine and official social media platforms.
F. JUDGING CRITERIA
- Relevance to Theme
• Originality and Creativity
• Depth of Analysis / Insightfulness
• Quality of Expression (Language, Structure, and Delivery)
• Adherence to Guidelines
ENQUIRIES
For further information, please contact:
Email: nbaspidel2025competitions@gmail.com
Phone: +234 (0) 8072312546, 8036877166, 8037574757, 8063580823
NBA-SPIDEL 2025
Conference Essay, Poetry & Spoken Words Competition Secretariat
