The Young Adult Literature Prize (YALP) 2025 has announced its regional finalists, spotlighting some of Nigeria’s most promising literary voices. From over 100 submissions received nationwide, Nigerian author and journalist Ejiro Umukoro emerged as the South-South regional winner with her novel The Distortion of Hardassah.
Umukoro’s selection underscores her growing influence in African literature. The Distortion of Hardassah tells the story of eleven young adults across Nigeria as they struggle with themes of identity, acceptance, and opportunity – a narrative that mirrors the realities of many young Nigerians today.
The author first gained widespread attention with her debut novel, Distortion – a groundbreaking fiction-true-crime novel exploring mental health. The book was later approved by the Delta State Ministry of Education as a recommended text for secondary schools and featured as the Book of Discussion by the U.S. Agency for Global Media during the 2024 World Press Freedom Day.
Distortion has continued to make waves across the literary and media landscape, featured in the Lagos Arts and Book Festival’s CORA Book Trek for its impact on youth literacy. It has also received strong reviews from BusinessDay, Arise News, TVC, Trust TV, and The Guardian, with a mention by the Pulitzer Center.
Speaking on the announcement, Jerry Adesewo, representing TYBLI, praised the quality of this year’s entries.
“We are delighted to announce the regional finalists of the Young Adult Literature Prize 2025. The response from writers across the country was overwhelming, and the quality of submissions was exceptional,” he said.
Reacting to the recognition, Umukoro described it as “an exciting honour to wrap up the year,” adding that being on the YALP 2025 longlist “brings immense joy and motivation to keep writing and telling stories that matter.”
Each regional winner will receive ₦500,000, while the overall winner will take home ₦1.5 million and a publishing deal.
The prize aims to encourage creativity, nurture young writers, and promote excellence in Nigeria’s literary space.
Other regional finalists include:
- Ikemefuna Chinenyike Lawrence Ezemagu – Garden of Garget (South East)
- Sarah Yousuph – When the Road Curves (South West)
- Adoo Gyuur – Daughters of Ashes (North Central)
- Daniel Yohanna – A Boy From Far North (North East)
- Yusrah Bashir Gaga – My Darkest Nightmares (North West)
The Young Adult Literature Prize (YALP) is an annual competition that celebrates outstanding young adult fiction writers in Nigeria, promoting storytelling that inspires, educates, and entertains young readers.
