The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) is now accepting entries from Nigerian journalists for its annual award for investigative reporting.
In a statement on Monday, Motunrayo Alaka, executive director/CEO of WSCIJ, said the call for entries opened on October 4, 2025, and will close at 4:00pm on October 24, 2025.
She said the award is open to professional reporters or teams of reporters, whether full-time or freelance, whose works have been published or broadcast for a Nigerian audience.
“This landmark edition celebrates two decades of honouring the courageous efforts of investigative journalists and rewarding best practices in the Nigerian media,” the statement reads.
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“Since its inception in 2005, the award has recognised outstanding journalists whose work prevents or exposes corruption, highlights human rights violations, and uncovers regulatory failures in Nigeria. Eligible categories include print, online, photo, editorial cartoon, television, and radio.”
According to WSCIJ, entries will be evaluated by an independent panel of judges using its award coding system introduced in 2012 “to ensure fairness and confidentiality”.
“Judges will evaluate based on investigative depth, evidence, human rights focus, ethical standards, courage, creativity, public interest, impact, and presentation. Applicants are encouraged to review category-specific criteria before submission,” the statement reads.
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“In 2024, WSCIJ received 219 entries, of which 113 met the eligibility criteria (18 from print media, 66 from online media, 94 from broadcast media (TV 87, radio 7), 10 photo news, and 4 editorial cartoons. From these, 15 journalists emerged as finalists.”
The executive director said till date, the award has produced 130 finalists, 58 Soyinka laureates, and 13 investigative journalists of the year.
“Additionally, 31 honorary awards have been conferred under the Lifetime Award for Journalistic Excellence and the Anti-Corruption/Human Rights Defender Awards,” the statement added.
WSCIJ will hold the 20th award presentation ceremony in Lagos on December 9, 2025.
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