Nigerian poet and creative writer James Eze is set to receive an award from the Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in recognition of his contributions to creative writing, literary development and the promotion of the arts.
Eze will be honoured on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, during the two-day Faculty of Arts Festival, scheduled to begin on Monday, 2 November, and end the following day.
In a letter dated 27 October 2026, signed by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Chuu Krydz Ikwuemesi, the university said Eze was selected for the recognition because of his contributions to the literary and creative industries.
The letter noted that his work as a poet and creative writer, as well as his role as Chief Executive Officer of Udala Tree Consults Nigeria, Enugu, had contributed to the growth of literary and creative culture.
It described the award as an honour reserved for individuals whose creativity and commitment had enriched the literary and cultural landscape and continued to inspire others within and beyond the university community.
The letter also stated that Eze would be celebrated alongside other distinguished personalities at the Awards and Recognition Ceremony scheduled for Tuesday.
The recognition comes barely three weeks after his poetry collection, Unbind Me Now, made the shortlist of three books for the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). The award was eventually won by Ogaga Ifowodo.
Eze previously won the Association of Nigerian Authors Prize for Poetry with his debut collection, Dispossessed. The book was also longlisted for the Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2022.
Reacting to the latest recognition, Eze described the honour as a pleasant surprise at a defining moment in his life.
“I am presently in the defining moment of my life. I am humbled by this recognition from one of Nigeria’s most historic institutions. The weight of this honour is beyond imagination. In the shiny glow of this award, I will find the spark to create more art,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the university and the Faculty of Arts, led by Professor Ikwuemesi, for considering him worthy of the recognition.
The UNN Faculty of Arts Festival is designed to celebrate creativity, scholarship, culture and the humanities.
The two-day event will bring together writers, artists, scholars, performers, students, alumni, cultural practitioners and friends of the faculty.
Activities lined up for the festival include literary events, exhibitions, performances, lectures, film screenings and cultural presentations aimed at showcasing the intellectual and creative contributions of the faculty.
