Chief of the Air Staff Literary Competition 2026: How to Apply for the ₦10.5 million in prizes competition
NAF announces ₦10.5m Chief of the Air Staff Literary Competition 2026
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Literary Competition, inviting Nigerian students across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions to participate in one of the country’s most prestigious academic and creative contests.
The competition offers ₦10.5 million in total cash prizes, alongside awards and certificates, reinforcing the Air Force’s commitment to nurturing creativity, intellectual development, and innovation among young Nigerians. Entries are open until February 28, 2026.
Overview of the Chief of the Air Staff Literary Competition
The CAS Literary Competition is an annual initiative of the Nigerian Air Force designed to stimulate critical thinking, creativity, and national consciousness among Nigerian youths.
Initiated at the instance of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the 2025/2026 edition provides a platform for students to express ideas and creative interpretations on themes related to security, innovation, technology, and air power, aligned with the NAF Day 2026 theme.
Participants compete across three categories, Essay, Poetry, and Art, depending on their educational level.
Competition Categories and Eligibility
The competition is open to Nigerian students across different age groups and academic levels.
Primary school pupils aged 5 to 11 years are eligible for the CAS Art Competition, which focuses on drawing and painting inspired by the NAF Day 2026 theme.
Secondary school students aged 12 to 17 years can participate in the CAS Poetry Competition, submitting original poems in English that reflect the competition theme.
Tertiary institution students aged 18 to 24 years are eligible for the CAS Essay Competition, which requires an original essay of not more than 2,000 words, derived from the NAF Day 2026 theme.
All submissions must be original and uploaded via the official Nigerian Air Force portals before the deadline.
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Submission Requirements and Guidelines
Applicants are required to submit their entries online through designated portals depending on the category. Essays and artwork must be uploaded via nafcaslc.airforce.mil.ng, while poetry entries are submitted through airforce.mil.ng.
All uploaded passport photographs must be in JPG, JPEG, or PNG format and must not exceed 150kb, while literary files must be in PDF format and not exceed 1MB.
Applicants must also provide valid phone numbers and email addresses to enable communication throughout the selection process.
Cash Prizes and Awards Breakdown
The Nigerian Air Force has allocated substantial rewards for winners across all categories.
For the CAS Essay Competition, first-place winners will receive ₦2,000,000, second-place winners ₦1,500,000, and third-place winners ₦1,000,000.
In the CAS Poetry Competition, prizes include ₦1,500,000 for first place, ₦1,250,000 for second place, and ₦1,000,000 for third place.
The CAS Artwork Competition offers ₦1,000,000 for first place, ₦750,000 for second place, and ₦500,000 for third place.
How to Apply for the Chief of the Air Staff Literary Competition 2026
Interested and eligible candidates should submit their applications through the official Nigerian Air Force online portals. All entries must be completed and submitted on or before February 28, 2026.
Late submissions will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Why the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition Matters
Beyond financial rewards, the Chief of the Air Staff Literary Competition plays a strategic role in encouraging patriotism, innovation, and intellectual growth among Nigerian youths. It also fosters early engagement with national security discourse and emerging technologies, positioning young participants as future contributors to Nigeria’s development.
FAQ
What is the Chief of the Air Staff Literary Competition?
It is an annual competition organized by the Nigerian Air Force to promote creativity, intellectual development, and innovation among Nigerian students.
Who can apply for the CAS Literary Competition 2026?
Primary, secondary, and tertiary institution students in Nigeria aged between 5 and 24 years are eligible, depending on the competition category.
What are the categories in the CAS Literary Competition?
The competition features Essay (tertiary students), Poetry (secondary students), and Art (primary pupils) categories.
What is the deadline for the Chief of the Air Staff Literary Competition 2026?
All applications must be submitted on or before February 28, 2026.
How much can winners earn in the competition?
The competition offers up to ₦10.5 million in total prizes across all categories.
Is the CAS Literary Competition free to enter?
Yes, the competition is completely free for all eligible Nigerian students.
Where do I submit my entry for the competition?
Entries must be submitted through the official Nigerian Air Force portals: nafcaslc.airforce.mil.ng or airforce.mil.ng, depending on the category.
Can I submit more than one entry?
No. Applicants are advised to submit only one original entry per category.
Is the competition open to private and public school students?
Yes. Students from both private and public institutions in Nigeria are eligible.
Will participants receive certificates?
Yes. Winners receive cash prizes, awards, and official certificates from the Nigerian Air Force.