Though distinct in genre, the Nigeria Prize For Literature’s shortlisted novels are united by their exploration and representation of diverse aspects of Nigerian culture.
By Evidence Egwuono Adjarho
As the year inches toward its final quarter, anticipation is building over who will emerge as the next $100,000 winner of the Nigeria Prize for Literature 2025. The suspense deepened with the official announcement of the Shortlist of Three through a press statement made on Thursday, August 28th.
Following the announcement, Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the Nigeria Prize for Literature, remarked:
“The shortlist before us is exceptional. Each work distinguishes itself through masterful plotting, characterisation, and a fine command of language that transports readers into imagined worlds. These are not merely stories; they are carefully woven realities—compelling in their beauty, stirring in their emotional resonance, and unflinching in their engagement with familiar yet urgent societal issues. The way the writers handled and resolved conflict highlights their skill and literary standing, making these works truly outstanding.”
The three shortlisted novels, in no particular order, are:
- Sanya by Oyin Olugbile
- The Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma
- This Motherless Land by Nikki May
It is worth noting that two of these shortlisted novels were published by Masobe Books, which impressively secured five spots on the original longlist, while the third came from Narrative Landscape Press.
Though distinct in genre, the shortlisted novels are united by their exploration and representation of diverse aspects of Nigerian culture. Sanya draws on cultural fantasy and Yoruba mythology, reimagining traditional narratives. The Road to the Country revisits the Biafra War at its core, while This Motherless Land traces an emotional journey of cultural collision.
Speaking about her novel, Nikki May explained: “I find that I have to be really passionate about my characters and my theme to write a book”.
Chigozie Obioma who had been collecting information about the Biafra War since the age of nine, reflected on his choice of subject matter: “It was always difficult, but I always knew I was going to write about the war”. For Oyin Olugbile, her protagonist represents a shift from conventional mythological retellings: “While it might challenge traditional views, I believe storytelling can evolve”.
The panel of judges, chaired by Associate Professor Saeedat Bolajoko Aliyu, of the Department of English, Kwara State University, also shared their impressions of the shortlisted works. Sanya is described as “a fascinating novel. From the cover to the gripping plot, the author keeps the pace unrelenting and the story intriguing”.
The Road to the Country is praised as a work that “masterfully explores alternative realities alongside a captivating story of love, brotherhood, and the devastation of war”. This Motherless Land is noted as “emotionally charged and alluring, with brilliant writing and riveting characters. Nikki May successfully straddles the cultures of two different countries”.
Despite the strengths of each book, only one writer will claim the most prestigious literary award in Nigeria at the grand ceremony on October 10, 2025. With the shortlist now narrowed to three, the question remains: Who will be crowned the next Laureate of the Nigeria Prize for Literature?