This is a list of Nigerian writers.

A

Chris Abani Christopher Abani (born 27 December 1966) is a Nigerian-American and Los Angeles- based author. He says he is part of a new generation of Nigerian writers working to convey to an English-speaking audience the experience of those born and raise ...

(born 1966), novelist, playwright and poet * Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé (born 1998), novelist *

Chinua Achebe Chinua Achebe (; 16 November 1930 – 21 March 2013) was a Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic who is regarded as the dominant figure of modern African literature. His first novel and ''magnum opus'', ''Things Fall Apart'' (1958), occupies ...

(1930–2013), novelist, poet and critic *

Catherine Obianuju Acholonu Catherine Obianuju Acholonu (26 October 1951 – 18 March 2014) was a Nigerian author, researcher and political activist. She served as a Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to President Olusegun Obasanjo on Arts and Culture, and was a founder-member ...

(born 1951), academic *

Ayobami Adebayo Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ (born 29 January 1988) is a Nigerian writer. Her 2017 debut novel, '' Stay With Me'', won the 9mobile Prize for Literature and the Prix Les Afriques. She was awarded The Future Awards Africa Prize for Arts and Culture ...

(born 1988), novelist *

Remi Adedeji Remi Aduke Adedeji (born 1937) is a Nigerian writer for children. Biography Adedeji was born in Okemesi in Ekiti State in 1937.

(born 1937), children's writer and academic editor *

Abimbola Adelakun Abimbola Adunni Adelakun (born 15 September) is a Nigerian writer. Biography Born in Ibadan, SouthWest Nigeria, she was educated at the University of Ibadan, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree and a Master of Arts degree in communication ...

, novelist *

Sade Adeniran Sade Adeniran (born 1960s) is a Nigerian novelist whose debut novel, ''Imagine This'', won the 2008 Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Book in Africa. ''Imagine This'' was originally Self-publishing, self-published by the author. Based in ...

, novelist and filmmaker * Saheed Aderinto (born 1979), author and academic *

Akin Adesokan Akin Adesokan is a Nigerian writer, scholar and novelist with research interests into twentieth and twenty-first century African and African American/African Diaspora literature and cultures. He is currently the associate professor of comparat ...

, novelist and scholar *

Toyin Adewale-Gabriel Toyin Adewale-Gabriel (born 1969) is a Nigerian writer. She writes poetry and has worked as a literary critic for ''The Guardian'', ''Post Express'' and ''The Daily Times''. Adewale-Gabriel writes in both English and in German. Biography Born ...

(born 1969), poet *

Tomi Adeyemi Tomi Adeyemi (born August 1, 1993) is a Nigerian-American novelist and creative writing coach. She is known for her novel ''Children of Blood and Bone'', the first in the ''Legacy of Orïsha'' trilogy published by Henry Holt Books for Young Reade ...

(born 1993), novelist and writing coach *

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie ( ; born 15 September 1977) is a Nigerian writer whose works include novels, short stories and nonfiction. She was described in ''The Times Literary Supplement'' as "the most prominent" of a "procession of criticall ...

(born 1977), novelist and poet * S. A. Afolabi (born 1966), novelist, short-story writer * Ifeoma Aggrey-Fynn (d. 2015), writer * Tolu Ajayi (born 1946), poet and writer of fiction * Tolu Akinyemi, writer, poet *

Dami Ajayi Dami Àjàyí (born 1986) is a Nigerian poet, medical doctor, essayist and music critic, described by Bernardine Evaristo as “a dexterous and versatile poet who flexes his linguistic muscles with surprising revelations that offer new perspect ...

, poet, essayist *

Yemi Ajibade Yemi Ajibade (28 July 1929''Africa Who's Who'', London: Africa Journal Ltd, for Africa Books, 1981, p. 82. – 24 January 2013), usually credited as Yemi Goodman Ajibade or Ade-Yemi Ajibade, was a Nigerian playwright, actor and director who, af ...

(1929–2013), playwright and actor *

Audrey Ajose Audrey Olatokunbo Ajose (born c. 1937) is a Nigerian lawyer and writer. She served as her country's ambassador to Scandinavia from 1987 to 1991. Early life and education The daughter of Omoba Oladele Ajose and Beatrice Spencer Roberts. Audrey A ...

(born 1937?), journalist and juvenile fiction writer *

Uwem Akpan Uwem Akpan is a Nigerian writer. He is the author of '' Say You're One of Them'' (2008), a collection of five stories (each set in a different African country) published by Little, Brown & Company. The book inspired Angelique Kidjo to write th ...

(born 1971), Jesuit priest and writer * Henry Akubuiro, journalist and novelist * Hauwa Ali (died 1995), novelist * Akilu Aliyu (1918–1998), poet *

Zaynab Alkali Zaynab Alkali was born into the Tura-Mazila family of Borno and Adamawa States. For secondary education, she attended Queen Elizabeth Secondary School, Ilorin. Zaynab Alkali went on to obtain both her first and second degrees from Ahmadu Bello ...

(born 1950), novelist, short-story writer and academic *

T. M. Aluko Timothy Mofolorunso Aluko (14 July 1918 – 1 May 2010) was a Nigerian writer. Biography A Yoruba, Aluko was born in Ilesha in Nigeria and studied at Government College, Ibadan, and Higher College, Yaba in Lagos. He then studied civil enginee ...

(1918–2010), novelist and autobiographer *

Elechi Amadi Elechi Amadi (12 May 1934 – 29 June 2016) was a Nigerian author and soldier. He was a former member of the Nigerian Armed Forces. He was an author of plays and novels that are generally about African village life, customs, beliefs, and religi ...

(1934–2016), novelist * Ifi Amadiume (born 1947), poet, anthropologist and essayist *

Karen King-Aribisala Karen Ann King-Aribisala (born Guyana) is a Nigerian novelist, and short story writer. She is a Professor of English at the University of Lagos. Education She was educated at the International School Ibadan, St. George's British International ...

, short-story writer, novelist and academic *

Yemisi Aribisala Yemisi Aribisala (born 27 April 1973) is a Nigerian essayist, writer, painter, and food memoirist. She has been described as having a "fearless, witty, and unapologetic voice" Her work has been featured in ''The New Yorker'', ''Vogue magazine'', ...

(born 1973), essayist and food memoirist * Nana Asmau (1793–1864) * Odafe Atogun, writer *

Sefi Atta Sefi Atta (born January 1964) is a Nigerian-American novelist, short-story writer, playwright and screenwriter. Her books have been translated into many languages, radio plays have been broadcast by the BBC, and her stage plays have been performe ...

(born 1964), novelist, short-story writer and playwright * Adaeze Atuegwu (born 1977), novelist and playwright * Theophilus Olabode Avoseh (born 1908), historian *

Uche Azikiwe Uche Ewah Azikiwe , (born 4 February 1947) is a Nigerian academic, educator and author. She is the widow of former President of Nigeria Nnamdi Azikiwe. She is a professor in the Department of Educational Foundation, Faculty of Education at Unive ...

(born 1947), author *

Nnorom Azuonye Nnorom Azuonye (born 12 July 1967, in Biafra) is a publisher, theater director, playwright, poet and advertising professional. He is also an accredited Methodist Local Preacher with the Methodist Church in Britain and serves as Principal Networker ...

(born 1967), theatre director, playwright and poet

B

* Rotimi Babatunde, playwright * Esther Bali, writer of folktale stories, playwright *

Biyi Bandele Biyi Bandele (born Biyi Bandele-Thomas; 13 October 1967 – 7 August 2022Micah L. Issitt Contemporary Black Biography, 2009. Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 12 October 2015.) was a Nigerian novelist, playwright and filmmaker. He was the author of s ...

(1967–2022), novelist, playwright, filmmaker *

Bunmi Banjo Bunmi Banjo is a technology leadership and future of work speaker and adviser. She is also the founder and CEO of Kuvora Inc. Bunmi was previously responsible for Google's Brand and Reputation in Africa where she led the company's effort to prov ...

(born 1977) * A. Igoni Barrett (born 1979), novelist, short-story writer *

Lindsay Barrett Carlton Lindsay Barrett (born 15 September 1941), also known as Eseoghene, is a Jamaican-born poet, novelist, essayist, playwright, journalist and photographer, whose work has interacted with the Caribbean Artists Movement in the UK, the Black ...

(born 1941), poet, novelist, essayist, playwright, journalist *

Olumbe Bassir Olumbe Bassir (1919–2001) was a Nigerian scientist, author and academic. His primary contributions to research were in the areas of aflatoxins, nutrition, and peace research. Early life and education Born in Senegal to Sierra Leonean Oku p ...

(1919–2001) *

Muhammed Bello Muhammadu Bello ( ar, محمد بلو) was the second Sultan of Sokoto and reigned from 1817 until 1837. He was also an active writer of history, poetry, and Islamic studies. He was the son and primary aide to Usman dan Fodio, the founder of the ...

* Philip Begho (born 1956), dramatist, short-story writer, poet * T. J. Benson, novelist and short-story writer * Omoseye Bolaji (1964–2022) *

Natasha Bowen Natasha Bowen is a Nigerian-Welsh writer and teacher. She writes fantasy books for young adults. She is best known for her '' New York Times Bestselling'' novel '' Skin of the Sea''. Early life and education Natasha Bowen was born in Cambr ...

, novelist and teacher *

Oyinkan Braithwaite Oyinkan Braithwaite (born 1988) is a Nigerian-British novelist and writer. She was born in Lagos and spent her childhood in both Nigeria and the UK. Life Braithwaite was born in Lagos in 1988. She spent most of her childhood in the UK after he ...

(born 1988), novelist

C

* Chin Ce (born 1966) * Chinweizu (born 1943), critic, essayist, poet, journalist *

John Pepper Clark John Pepper Clark-Bekederemo (6 April 1935 – 13 October 2020) was a Nigerian poet and playwright, who also published as J. P. Clark and John Pepper Clark. Life Born in Kiagbodo, Nigeria, to an Ijaw father and Urhobo mother, Clark received his ...

(1935–2020), poet, playwright *

Dandy Jackson Chukwudi Jackson Chukwudi Dandy commonly known as Dandy Jackson Chukwudi is a Nigerian author of novels, short stories and editor. He is the co-founder of the now defunct InstaNovella. ''ThisDay ''This Day'' is a Nigerian national newspaper. It is th ...

, novelist, short story writer *

Teju Cole Teju Cole (born June 27, 1975) is a Nigerian-American writer, photographer, and art historian. He is the author of a novella ''Every Day Is for the Thief'' (2007), a novel ''Open City'' (2011), an essay collection ''Known and Strange Things'' (20 ...

(born 1975), novelist, essayist *

Samuel Ajayi Crowther Samuel Ajayi Crowther ( – 31 December 1891), was a Yoruba linguist, clergyman, and the first African Anglican bishop of West Africa. Born in Osogun (in what is now Ado-Awaye, Oyo State, Nigeria), he and his family were captured by slave raide ...

(1807–1891), linguist, translator, diarist, explorer, writer

D

Usman dan Fodio Usman Ɗan Fodio ( ar, عثمان بن فودي, translit=ʿUthmān ibn Fodio; 15 December 1754 – 20 April 1817) was a Fulani scholar, Sunni Islamic religious teacher, revolutionary, and philosopher who founded the Sokoto Caliphate and ruled ...

(1754–1817), poet, political and societal theorist, law and jurisprudence writer * Abi Dare *

Jude Dibia Jude Dibia (born 5 January 1975 in Lagos, Nigeria) is a Nigerian novelist.Onyeka Nwelue"Interview: Walking Shadows with Jude Dibia" Nigeria Village Square, 22 July 2006. In 2007, he won the Ken Saro-Wiwa Prize for Prose for his novel ''Unbridled''. ...

(born 1975) * Antera Duke, diarist

E

Michael Echeruo Michael Joseph Chukwudalu Echeruo (born March 14, 1937) is a Nigerian academic, professor and literary critic from Umunumo, Ehime-Mbano LGA, Imo State. He is the William Safire Professor of Modern Letters in the English Department at Syracuse Univ ...

(born 1937), poet, critic * Amatoritsero (Godwin) Ede * Chike Frankie Edozien *

Philip Effiong Philip Efiong (also spelled Effiong, 18 November 1925 – 6 November 2003) was the first Vice President and the second President of Biafra, President of the now defunct Republic of Biafra during the Nigerian Civil War of 1967 to 1970. Early lif ...

(1925–2003) *

Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki or Ekpeki Oghenechovwe Donald is a Nigerian speculative fiction writer and editor residing in New York. His fiction and non-fiction have appeared in ''Omenana Magazine'', Cosmic Roots and Eldritch Shores', ''Tor.com'', ' ...

Cyprian Ekwensi Chief Cyprian Odiatu Duaka Ekwensi (26 September 1921 – 4 November 2007) was a Nigerian author of novels, short stories, and children's books. Biography Early life, education and family Cyprian Odiatu Duaka Ekwensi, an Igbo, was born in ...

(1921–2007), novelist, short-story writer *

Buchi Emecheta Florence Onyebuchi "Buchi" Emecheta (21 July 1944 – 25 January 2017) was a Nigerian-born novelist, based in the UK from 1962, who also wrote plays and an autobiography, as well as works for children. She was the author of more than 20 books, ...

(1944–2017), novelist * E. Nolue Emenanjo (born 1943) *

Akwaeke Emezi Akwaeke Emezi is a Nigerian fiction writer and video artist, best known for their novels ''Freshwater'', '' Pet,'' and their ''New York Times'' bestselling novel ''The Death of Vivek Oji''. Emezi is a generalist who writes speculative fiction, r ...

(born 1987) *

Olaudah Equiano Olaudah Equiano (; c. 1745 – 31 March 1797), known for most of his life as Gustavus Vassa (), was a writer and abolitionist from, according to his memoir, the Eboe (Igbo) region of the Kingdom of Benin (today southern Nigeria). Enslaved as ...

(c. 1745–97) * Rosemary Esehagu (born 1981) *

Femi Euba Femi Euba (born April 1939) is a Nigerian actor, writer, and dramatist, who has published numerous works of drama, theory, and fiction. His work as a theatre practitioner encompasses acting, playwriting, and directing. Among the topics of his pla ...

(born 1942), dramatist * Dickson Ekhaguere, playwright

F

Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa Chief Daniel Oròwọlé Olorunfẹmi Fágúnwà MBE (1903 – 7 December 1963), popularly known as D. O. Fágúnwà, was a Nigerian Yoruba author who pioneered the Yoruba-language novel. Early life Daniel Oròwọlé Fágúnwà was born in ...

(1903–1963), novelist *

Adebayo Faleti Adebayo Mosobalaje Faleti (26 December 1921 – 23 July 2017) was Africa's first newscaster, Africa's first stage play director, Nigeria's first film editor and librarian with the first television station in Africa - Western Nigeria Television ( ...

(1930–2017) *

Toyin Falola Toyin Omoyeni Falola (born January 1, 1953) is a Nigerian historian and professor of African Studies. Falola is a Fellow of the Historical Society of Nigeria and of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, and has served as the president of the African ...

(born 1953) * Dan Fulani * Bilkisu Funtuwa *

Flora Nwapa Florence Nwanzuruahu Nkiru Nwapa (13 January 1931 – 16 October 1993), was a Nigerian author who has been called the mother of modern African literature, African Literature. She was the forerunner to a generation of African women writers, and ...

(1931–1993)

G

* Godspower Oboido (born 1988), poet and essayist *

Ukawsaw Gronniosaw Ukawsaw Gronniosaw (c. 1705 – 28 September 1775),Chester Chronicle, ''The Chester Chronicle, or Commercial Intelligencer'', Monday 2 October 1775. also known as James Albert, was an Atlantic slave trade, enslaved African man who is conside ...

(1705–1775), autobiographer

H

Helon Habila Helon Habila Ngalabak (born November 1967) is a Nigerian novelist and poet, whose writing has won many prizes, including the Caine Prize in 2001. He worked as a lecturer and journalist in Nigeria before moving in 2002 to England, where he was a C ...

(born 1967), novelist *

Obo Aba Hisanjani Obo Aba Hisanjani (born 24 November 1949) is a Nigerian poet. He was born in the small village of Ajah, Lagos, Ajah, now a bustling marketplace. He has campaigned against the development and exploitation of the surrounding areas for purely commer ...

(born 1949), poet *

Helen Oyeyemi Helen Oyeyemi FRSL (born 10 December 1984) is a British novelist and writer of short stories. Life Oyeyemi was born in Nigeria and was raised in Lewisham, South London from when she was four. Oyeyemi wrote her first novel, '' The Icarus Girl'' ...

(born 1984), novelist

I

Abubakar Adam Ibrahim Abubakar Adam Ibrahim (born 1979) is a Nigerian writer and journalist. He was described by German broadcaster Deutsche Welle as a northern Nigerian "literary provocateur" amidst the international acclaim his award-winning novel ''Season of Crims ...

(born 1979) * Emmanuel Iduma (born 1989), novelist, essayist, and academic *

Jordan Ifueko Jordan Ifueko (born August 16, 1993) is a Nigerian American writer of fantasy and young adult fiction. She is best known for her novel '' Raybearer'', which became a ''New York Times'' bestseller, and its sequel, ''Redemptor.'' She also writes sh ...

(born 1993), novelist * Nnanna Ikpo, novelist *

Ejikeme Ikwunze Ejikeme Ikwunze , popularly called Mr Football, is an international figure in Nigeria's sporting community. He is a sports columnist and contributes articles to several international sports magazines as well as Nigerian Newspapers including the '' ...

Abubakar Imam Abubakar Imam O.B.E C.O.N L.L.D (Hon.) N.N.M.C. (1911 - 1981) was a Nigerian writer, journalist and politician from Kagara, Niger in Nigeria. For most of his life, he lived in Zaria, where he was the first Hausa editor of Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo ...

(1911–1981) *

Eghosa Imasuen Eghosa Imasuen (born May 19, 1976) is a Nigerian writer of Bini descent. He is also a medical doctor. He is the author of ''To Saint Patrick'' and ''Fine Boys'', published by the '' Farafina imprint'' of Kachifo Limited, publishers of the Nige ...

(born 1976) *

Tade Ipadeola Tade Ipadeola (born September 1970 in Fiditi, Oyo State) is a Nigerian poet who writes in English and Yoruba. He is a practising lawyer. In 2013 his poetry collection ''The Sahara Testaments'' won the prestigious Nigeria Prize for Literature instit ...

(born 1970), poet *

Akinwunmi Isola Akinwunmi Isola (24 December 1939 – 17 February 2018) was a Nigerian playwright, novelist, actor, dramatist, culture activist and scholar. He was known for his writing in, and his work in promoting, the Yoruba language. As an actor, he was known ...

, playwright, dramatist and scholar *

Uzodinma Iweala Uzodinma Iweala (born November 5) is a Nigerian-American author and medical doctor. His debut novel, ''Beasts of No Nation'', is a formation of his thesis work (in creative writing) at Harvard. It depicts a child soldier in an unnamed African ...

(born 1982) *

Festus Iyayi Festus Iyayi (29 September 1947 – 12 November 2013) was a Nigerian leftist writer, best known for advancing his politics through realist novels depicting the socopolitical environment of contemporary Nigeria. He was also a former president of t ...

(born 1947)

J

John Jea John Jea (1773 – after 1817) was an African-American writer, preacher, abolitionist and sailor, best known for his 1811 autobiography ''The Life, History, and Unparalleled Sufferings of John Jea, the African Preacher.'' Jea was enslaved from a ...

(1773–?) *

Elnathan John Elnathan John (born 1982) is a Nigerian novelist, satirist and lawyer whose stories have twice been shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African Writing. Career Elnathan John was born in Kaduna, in north-west Nigeria, in 1982. He attended Ahmad ...

(born 1982) *

Samuel Johnson Samuel Johnson (18 September 1709 – 13 December 1784), often called Dr Johnson, was an English writer who made lasting contributions as a poet, playwright, essayist, moralist, critic, biographer, editor and lexicographer. The ''Oxford ...

(1846–1901)

K

Toni Kan Anthony Kan Onwordi known as Toni Kan (born 11 June 1971) is a Nigerian writer, editor, public relations senior management executive, and teacher. He is author of the collection of short stories, ''Nights of a Creaking Bed'', noted for exploring ...

(born 1971) *

Farooq Kperogi Farooq Adamu Kperogi (born 1973), is a Nigerian-American professor, author, media scholar, newspaper columnist, blogger and activist. He was a reporter and news editor at many Nigerian newspapers including the ''Daily Trust'', ''Daily Triumph'' and ...

(born 1973), author, columnist, journalism professor

L

Duro Ladipo Durodola Durosomo Duroorike Timothy Adisa Ladipo (December 18, 1926 – March 11, 1978), more commonly known as Duro Ladipo, was one of the best known and critically acclaimed Yoruba people, Yoruba dramatists who emerged from postcolonial Africa. ...

(1931–1978) *

Abimbola Lagunju 'Abimbola Lagunju (born in 1960 in Ibadan) is a Nigerian writer. He studied medicine in St Petersburg, Russia from 1979 to 1987. He returned to Nigeria in the middle of the economic crisis engendered by the World Bank/IMF Structural Adjustment Pro ...

(born 1960) * Logan February (born 1999)

M

Amina Mama Amina Mama (born 19 September 1958) is a Nigerian-British writer, feminist and academic. Her main areas of focus have been post-colonial, militarist and gender issues. She has lived in Africa, Europe, and North America, and worked to build rela ...

(born 1958) *

Sarah Ladipo Manyika Sarah Ladipo Manyika is a British-Nigerian writer of novels, short stories and essays and an active member of the literary community, particularly supporting and amplifying young writers and female voices. She is author of two well received nove ...

(born 1968), novelist, short story writer, essayist * Oliver Mbamara *

Sebastian Okechukwu Mezu Dr Sebastian Okechukwu Mezu (born April 30, 1941) is a Nigerian writer, scholar, philanthropist, and publisher. He was involved in politics in Nigeria in the late 1970s. Background Sebastian Okechukwu Mezu was born on April 30, 1941, in Ezeogb ...

(born 1941) *

Dele Momodu Chief Dele Momodu (born Ayòbámidélé Àbáyòmí Ojútelégàn Àjàní Momodu; 16 May 1960) is a Nigerian journalist/publisher, businessman, and motivational speaker. He is the CEO and publisher of ''Ovation International'', a magazine tha ...

(born 1960) *

John Munonye John Munonye (April 1929 – 10 May 1999)"John Munonye"
''Encyclopædia Britannica''. wa ...

(1929–1999)

N

* Niran Adedokun, novelist, journalist and columnist *

Okey Ndibe Okechukwu "Okey" Ndibe (born 1960) is a novelist, political columnist, and essayist of Igbo ethnicity. Ndibe was born in Yola, Nigeria. He is the author of ''Arrows of Rain'' and ''Foreign Gods, Inc.'', two critically acclaimed novels published ...

, novelist, columnist, journalist and scholar *

Echezonachukwu Nduka Echezonachukwu Chinedu Nduka (born 19 July 1989) is a Nigerian poet, author, pianist, recording artist, and musicologist specializing in piano music by West African composers. His work has been featured on BBC, Radio Nacional Clasica de Argentin ...

(born 1989), poet, classical pianist * Uche Nduka (born 1963), poet * Martina Nwakoby (born 1937) *

Nkem Nwankwo Nkem Nwankwo (12 June 1936 – 12 June 2001) was a Nigerian novelist and poet. Biography Born in Nawfia-Awka, a village near the Igbo city of Onitsha in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria, Nwankwo attended University College in Ibadan (the cap ...

(1936–2001), novelist, poet *

(1931–1993), novelist *

Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani Adaobi Tricia Obinne Nwaubani is a Nigerian novelist, humorist, essayist and journalist, who was born in 1976. Her debut novel, ''I Do Not Come To You By Chance'', won the 2010 Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Book (Africa), a Bett ...

(born 1976), novelist, humorist, essayist and journalist * Onuora Nzekwu (1928–2017) *

Onyeka Nwelue Onyeka Nwelue (born 31 January 1988) is a Nigerian filmmaker, publisher, talk-show host, author, Visiting scholar, academic visitor and founder of the James Currey Society, at the African Studies Centre, University of Oxford and a Visiting Sch ...

(born 1988) * Chuma Nwokolo (born 1963), writer, poet, humorist, essayist and lawyer *

Abdul Rasheed Na'Allah Abdul Rasheed Na'Allah, (born 1962) is a Nigerian academic, he was vice chancellor of Kwara State University in Nigeria for 10 years, from 2009 to 2019 when he was appointed Vice chancellor of University of Abuja. He was appointed vice chancellor o ...

(born 1962), writer, poet, scholar and performer

O

Chigozie Obioma Chigozie Obioma (born 1986) is a Nigerian writer. He is best known for writing the novels ''The Fishermen'' (2015) and ''An Orchestra of Minorities'' (2019), both of which were shortlisted for the Booker Prize in their respective years of public ...

(born 1986), novelist *

Obiwu Obioma Paul Iwuanyanwu (born 1962) known mononymously as Obiwu, is a Nigerian-American writer and professor. He is a survivor of the Igbo genocide in Nigeria (1966–1970), and teaches World Literature and Critical Theory in the Humanities Depar ...

(born 1962), poet, theorist * Moses Ochonu, academic, historian * Ike Odimegwu * Jeffrey Obomeghie, editor and writer * Josephat Obi Oguejiofor *

Olu Oguibe Olu Oguibe (born 14 October 1964) is a Nigerian-born American artist and academic.Olu Oguibe
Retrieve ...

(born 1964) * Ike Oguine *

Molara Ogundipe Omolara Ogundipe-Leslie (27 December 1940 – 18 June 2019), also known as Molara Ogundipe, was a Nigerian poet, critic, editor, feminist and activist. Considered one of the foremost writers on African feminism, gender studies and literary theory ...

(born 1949) *

Wole Oguntokun Wole Oguntokun (Oluwolé Oguntokun) a Nigerian playwright, dramaturge and director is the artistic director of Theatre Planet Studios and Renegade Theatre as well as a member of the board of Theaturtle, a Canadian theatre company. He is also a ...

, playwright *

Tanure Ojaide Tanure Ojaide (born 1948) is a Nigerian poet and academic. As a writer, he is noted for his unique stylistic vision and for his intense criticism of imperialism, religion, and other issues. He is regarded as a socio-political and an ecocentric poe ...

(born 1948), poet, critic * Bayo Ojikutu (born 1971), novelist, essayist, short story writer *

Gabriel Okara Gabriel Imomotimi Okara (24 April 1921 – 25 March 2019) was a Nigerian poet and novelist who was born in Bumoundi in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The first modernist poet of Anglophone Africa, he is best known for his early experimental ...

(1921–2019), poet *

Chioma Okereke Chioma Okereke is a Nigerian-born poet, author and short story writer. Her debut novel, ''Bitter Leaf'' (2010), was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers' Prize – Africa Best First Book 2011. Biography Okereke was born in Benin City, N ...

, novelist, poet *

Christopher Okigbo Christopher Ifekandu Okigbo (16 August 1932 – 1967) was a Nigerian poet, teacher, and librarian, who died fighting for the independence of Biafra. He is today widely acknowledged as an outstanding postcolonial English-language African poet an ...

(1932–1967), poet * Julie Okoh (born 1947), playwright *

Nnedi Okorafor Nnedimma Nkemdili "Nnedi" Okorafor (formerly Okorafor-Mbachu; born April 8, 1974) is a Nigerian-American writer of science fiction and fantasy for both children and adults. She is best known for her ''Binti Series'' and her novels ''Who Fears ...

(born 1974), writer of fantasy and science fiction * Ifeoma Okoye (born 1937), novelist *

Chinelo Okparanta Chinelo Okparanta (born 1981) is a Nigerian-American novelist and short-story writer. She was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, where she was raisedRae Winkelstein-Duveneck"Religion, The Bible, and Personal Morality: An Interview with Chinelo Okp ...

(born 1981), novelist and short-story writer * Isidore Okpewho (born 1941), novelist, critic *

Ben Okri Ben Okri (born 15 March 1959) is a Nigerian-British poet and novelist.Ben Okri"
British Council, ...

(born 1959), poet, novelist *

Suyi Davies Okungbowa Suyi Davies Okungbowa (born Osasuyi Okungbowa in 1989) is a Nigerian fantasy, science fiction and speculative writer and academic. He is the author of The Nameless Republic epic fantasy trilogy, beginning with ''Son of the Storm'' (Orbit, May 202 ...

(born 1989), fantasy and science fiction author *

Afolabi Olabimtan Afolabi Olabimtan (11 June 1932 – 27 August 2003) was a Nigerian politician, writer, and academic. He was born in Ogun State and was later the senator for Ogun West from 1999 to 2003. He died in a motor accident in August 2003. Olabimtan a ...

(1932–2003) * Olatubosun Oladapo (born 1943), poet, playwright * Ukamaka Olisakwe (born 1982) * Simbo Olorunfemi, poet, journalist *

Kole Omotosho Bankole Ajibabi Omotoso (born 21 April 1943), also known as Kole Omotoso, is a Nigerian writer and intellectual best known for his works of fiction and in South Africa as the "Yebo Gogo man" in adverts for the telecommunications company Vodacom ...

(born 1943), novelist * Kola Onadipe (1922–1988) *

Nuzo Onoh Nuzo Onoh (born 22 September 1962) is a Nigerian-British writer. She grew up the third of eight children of the late Chief Mrs Caroline Onoh, a former headteacher. Her father was Chief Dr. C.C Onoh, the wealthy landowner, lawyer, politician, and f ...

(born 1962), African horror author *

Chibundu Onuzo Imachibundu Oluwadara Onuzo (born 1991) is a Nigerian novelist. Her first novel, ''The Spider King's Daughter'', won a Betty Trask Award, was shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize and the Commonwealth Book Prize, and was longlisted for the Des ...

(born 1991) * Osonye Tess Onwueme (born 1955) * Nduka Onwuegbute (born 1969) *

Ifeoma Onyefulu Ifeoma Onyefulu (born 1959) is a Nigerian children's author, novelist, and photographer. She is best known for her picture books which feature her photographs of village life in Africa."Ifeoma Onyefulu." ''Gale Literature: Contemporary Authors' ...

(born 1959) * Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia *

Bukola Oriola Bukola Oriola (born 1976) is a Nigerian-American journalist. She lives in Anoka County, Minnesota, and has a son named Samuel Jacobs. She spent six years as a journalist covering education in Nigeria while still living in that country. In 2005, s ...

(born 1976) *

Romeo Oriogun Oluwasegun Romeo Oriogun is a Nigerian poet and essayist. He is the author of ''Sacrament of Bodies'' (University of Nebraska) and three chapbooks. He won the 2017 Brunel University African Poetry Prize and the Nigeria Prize for Literature award 2 ...

Dennis Osadebay Dennis Chukude Osadebay (29 June 1911 — 26 December 1994) was a Nigerian politician, poet, journalist and former premier of the now defunct Mid-Western Region of Nigeria, which now comprises Edo and Delta State. He was one of the pion ...

(1911–1995), poet *

Femi Osofisan Babafemi Adeyemi Osofisan (born June 16, 1946), known as Femi Osofisan or F.O., is a Nigerian writer noted for his critique of societal problems and his use of African traditional performances and surrealism in some of his plays. A frequent theme ...

(born 1946) * E. C. Osondu, short-story writer, novelist *

Ayodele Olofintuade Ayodele Olofintuade is a Nigerian writer, journalist, and feminist. She identifies as queer and non-binary in Nigeria, which is an anti-LGBTQ country. Biography Born in Ibadan, Nigeria, Olofintuade grew up between Lagos, Ibadan and Abeokuta. T ...

(born 1970s), novelist * Ifeoma Mabel Onyemelukwe (born 1950) *

Niyi Osundare Niyi Osundare is a leading African poet, dramatist, linguist, and literary critic. Born on March 12, 1947, in Ikere-Ekiti, Nigeria, his poetry is influenced by the oral poetry of his Yoruba culture, which he capaciously hybridizes with other poetic ...

(born 1947), poet, dramatist and literary critic *

Onyinye Ough Onyinye Ough is a Nigerian author, speaker and political activist. She is the executive director of Step up for Social Development and Empowerment in Nigeria, an anti corruption non-governmental organization using storytelling to educate young Nige ...

Helen Ovbiagele Helen Aiyeohusa Ovbiagele (born 1944) is a Nigerian novelist. She was born in Benin City, and after attending C.M.S. Girls' School, Benin City, and St. Peter's College, Kaduna, she studied English and French at the University of Lagos and studied ...

(born 1944), novelist * Oyèrónkẹ́ Oyěwùmí

R

* Remi Sonaiya (born 1955) *

Remi Raji Aderemi Raji-Oyelade (born 1961) is a Nigerian poet, writing in English. He is popularly known by his pen name, Remi Raji. Career A Salzburg Fellow and visiting professor and writer to a number of institutions, among them Southern Illinois Univers ...

(born 1961), poet, academic *

Ola Rotimi Olawale Gladstone Emmanuel Rotimi, best known as Ola Rotimi (13 April 1938 – 18 August 2000), was one of Nigeria's leading playwrights and theatre directors. He has been called "a complete man of the theatre – an actor, director, choreograp ...

(1938–2000), novelist, theatre director and playwright

S

Ken Saro-Wiwa Kenule Beeson "Ken" Saro-Wiwa (10 October 1941 – 10 November 1995) was a Nigerian writer, television producer, and environmental activist. Ken Saro-Wiwa was a member of the Ogoni people, an ethnic minority in Nigeria whose homeland, Ogonilan ...

(1941–1995), playwright, novelist, poet *

Mabel Segun Mabel Segun, NNOM (born 1930) is a Nigerian poet, playwright and writer of short stories and children's books. She has also been a teacher, broadcaster, and a sports woman. Biography Born in Ondo City, Nigeria, she had her secondary school ed ...

(born 1930), poet, playwright *

Lola Shoneyin Lola Shoneyin (born Titilola Atinuke Alexandrah Shoneyin; 26 February 1974 in Ibadan, Nigeria) is a Nigerian poet and author who launched her debut novel, ''The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives'', in the UK in May 2010. Shoneyin has forged a r ...

(born 1974), novelist, poet *

Zulu Sofola Nwazuluwa Onuekwuke "Zulu" Sofola (22 June 1935 – 5 September 1995)Biography
, ′Zulu Sofola official web ...

(1935–1995), playwright *

Bode Sowande Bode Sowande (born 2 May 1948) is a Nigerian writer A writer is a person who uses written words in different writing styles and techniques to communicate ideas. Writers produce different forms of literary art and creative writing such as ...

(born 1948), playwright *

Wole Soyinka Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka (Yoruba: ''Akínwándé Olúwọlé Babátúndé Ṣóyíinká''; born 13 July 1934), known as Wole Soyinka (), is a Nigerian playwright, novelist, poet, and essayist in the English language. He was awarded t ...

(born 1934), playwright, poet, novelist; Nobel laureate, (1986) *

Ibrahim Sheme Ibrahim Sheme is a bilingual Nigerian writer, journalist, filmmaker , and publisher. He worked as editor and correspondent of many Nigerian newspapers, including ''Leadership'', '' The Tide'', ''New Nigerian'', ''The Reporter,'' and ''Hotline Mag ...

(born 1968), novelist, poet, publisher

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Amos Tutuola Amos Tutuola (20 June 1920 – 8 June 1997) was a Nigerian writer who wrote books based in part on Yoruba folk-tales. Early history Amos Olatubosun Tutuola Odegbami was born on 20 June 1920, in Wasinmi, a village just a few miles outside o ...

(1920–1997), novelist *

Kola Tubosun Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún is a Nigerian linguist, writer, translator, scholar, and cultural activist.

(born 1981), poet, essayist and linguist

U

Obiora Udechukwu Obiora Udechukwu (born 1946) is a Nigerian painter and poet. Biography Obiora Udechukwu was born June 4, 1946, in Onitsha in 1946 to parents from Agulu in Anambra State, Nigeria. Angulu is where he first encountered ''uli'' murals at family co ...

(born 1946), poet * Gracy Ukala (born 1946), novelist *

Adaora Lily Ulasi Adaora Lily Ulasi (born 1932) was a Nigerian journalist and novelist. She is said to have been the first West African woman to earn a degree in journalism. As a journalist, she has worked for the BBC and Voice of America. As a novelist she wro ...

(born 1932), novelist * Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike (born 1975), poet *

Chika Unigwe Chika Nina Unigwe (born 12 June 1974) is a Nigerian-born Igbo author who writes in English and Dutch. In April 2014 she was selected for the Hay Festival's Africa39 list of 39 Sub-Saharan African writers aged under 40 with potential and talent to ...

(born 1974), novelist * Sam Ukala (born 1948), playwright, prose fiction writer and poet

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Mamman Jiya Vatsa Mamman Jiya Vatsa (3 December 1940 – 5 March 1986) was a Nigerian general and poet who served as Minister of the Federal Capital Abuja, and was a member of the Supreme Military Council On 5 March 1986, he was executed by the military re ...

(1944–1986), poet * Jumoke Verissimo (born 1979), poet

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Ken Wiwa Kenule "Ken" Bornale Tsaro-Wiwa (28 November 1968 – 18 October 2016), also known as Ken Saro-Wiwa, Jr, although he himself chose to use the name Ken Wiwa, was a Nigerian journalist and author. The eldest son of human rights activist Ken Saro-W ...

(1968–2016), biographer *

Molara Wood Molara Wood (born 1967)
Editorial Board, ''Sentinel Poetry Quarterly''. is a Nigeria ...

(born 1969), short-story writer, journalist

Y

Balaraba Ramat Yakubu Balaraba Ramat Yakubu (born 1959) is a Nigerian author who writes in Hausa. She is a leader in the genre of '' littattafan soyayya'' or "love literature", and one of the very few Hausa-language writers whose work has been translated into English. ...

(born 1959),

Hausa-language Hausa (; /; Ajami: ) is a Chadic language spoken by the Hausa people in the northern half of Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Benin and Togo, and the southern half of Niger, Chad and Sudan, with significant minorities in Ivory Coast. Hausa is a member ...

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{{DEFAULTSORT:List Of Nigerian

Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...

Writers A writer is a person who uses written words in different writing styles and techniques to communicate ideas. Writers produce different forms of literary art and creative writing such as novels, short stories, books, poetry, travelogues, plays ...

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References