Two hundred and fourteen entries have been received for the 2012 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature worth $100, 000. The entries from foreign and Nigeria based writers is the largest number ever received since the inauguration of the prize in 2004

Literary critic and provost of Humanities at the Kwara State University, Ilorin, Professor Abiola Irele, will chair the panel of judges comprising professors Angela Miri, Sophia Ogwude, J.O.J. Nwachukwu-Agbada and Dr. Oyeniyi Okunoye for this year's prize to be awarded for prose.

The prize's advisory board headed by Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo with Professor Ben Elugbe and Dr. Jerry Agada as the other two members also announced its decision to accept e-book entries for the literature prize from 2013. In addition, every year, three scholars with critical works published in reputable foreign journals will be given honorary mention, commendation letters and a cash prize of $5,000. This, it is hoped, will encourage scholars all over the world to bring Nigerian literature to international attention.

Inaugurated in 2004, The Nigeria Prize for Literature alternates amongst four literary genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama and children's literature. It has a cash value of $100, 000, the largest in Africa and is sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited to reward excellence in works of outstanding merit in literature.

Adeleke Adeyemi, with pen name Mai Nasara, won the prize last year with his children's fiction, 'The Missing Clock' while other past winners include Gabriel Okara, Ezenwa Ohaeto, Ahmed Yerima, Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Mabel Segun, Kaine Agary and Esiaba Irobi.