The MFA Chronicles blog series offers perspective on the experiences of Nigerian writers who are currently on MFA programs, shedding light on the challenges and rewards of such a journey.
Nigerian writers who aspire to pursue their writing dreams can gain valuable insight into the application process, program selection, cultural and language barriers, and how to overcome them.
This month, we spoke with Abdulkareem Abdulkareem.
Abdulkareem Abdulkareem (he/him) is a Nigerian writer and linguist. He is the author of ‘Loss is a Door’ selected by Kwame Dawes and Chris Abani for the New-Generation African Poets, a Chapbook Box Set (Akashic Books, 2025). He is a member of the Frontier’s Collective. His works appear in the National Museum of Language, POETRY, Transition Magazine, Waxwing, Poetry Wales, Uncanny Magazine, SAND, Nat Brut, West Trade Review, LOLWE, Southern Humanities Review, Isele, Qwerty Magazine, Shallow Tales Review, Nigeria News Direct, & elsewhere. He lives in Tuscaloosa where he is studying for an MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Alabama.
What motivated you to pursue an MFA?
My passion to grow as a writer, the intellectual curiosity to know more and the desire to explore stands out for me. The first time I got to know what an MFA was, I expected that an MFA would teach me how to write. After a series of research, I realised an MFA won’t necessarily teach me how to write, but refine my existing writing abilities, and also expand creative writing capabilities and potential. Although there were arguments I came across around the time about how an MFA might not necessarily help, but rather bore a writer with academics. I got to learn from friends who got into MFA programs, this further increased my desire.
The first time I applied, I was pushed/influenced to make my first application by a friend even though I assumed I wasn’t ready and didn’t want to, he guided me all through my application stages. I didn’t get into any school, although I got more experience about the application process. This helped me get ready for the second time. I shot my first shot; the Universe said it wasn’t my time. I tried again the second time; I got into two programs, I selected one of them.
How did you select the program you attended and what was the most challenging aspect of the application process?
I wouldn’t say selecting the programs I applied to was too hard; I wouldn’t say it was easy work either. My first process was making a list of top MFA programs in the US with Nigerians in them already or graduated. I also made sure I only applied to schools with full funding and stipend; these were important things I considered for a Nigerian like me. I also limited them down based on criteria, and the ones I was able to afford. It can be expensive applying to MFA programs when you plan to apply to lots of schools, since not all schools give fee waivers.
The most challenging part of my application was funding. I paid for five schools and it was expensive for me. I had two people help me with part; I also used all the honorariums I got from my poems for my application, including part of my NYSC salaries. Crafting a strong personal statement wasn’t easy either, I edited repeatedly without satisfaction. It took different eyes to come up with a final one.
How has the MFA program impacted your writing and creative process?
I’ve only been here for two months and a few weeks. Regardless of this, I’ve gotten directions on my current projects. I’ve also gotten new inspiration to come up with a new project beyond the two I am already working on. I believe with assignments, my job as a graduate tutor, it can get harder at times to write, but regardless, I still find time to write. Sometimes, writing an assignment for class also equals writing for me.
Who are you reading now?
Carl Phillips, Homer, Vergil, Marilyn Nelson, Natalie Diaz, Ajibola Tolase, and Cornelius Eady.
What are your writing goals? What are you working on now?
My writing goals are a bit all over the place, I can’t seem to place significance on a specific one. Except if I randomly talk about the two full-length poetry collections I’m working on at the moment. I also recently got a new found idea. Just last week. Lol. I’d say my goal is to complete everything before the end of my program.
What advice would you give to other Nigerian writers considering pursuing an MFA degree?
This might be unusual advice but, I’d say money. Money is important in the application process, especially when you want to apply to a lot of schools. I always say, “look for every top school giving fee waivers and apply to them,” at the same time, there’ll be schools one could be interested in applying to and there’ll be no waiver from them. Never underestimate yourself too. As long as you apply to a school, you are capable of getting in. Never self-reject or assume you can’t get into a program, and then decide not to apply.
Another point is about understanding the program you are applying to. Researching about the professors, reaching out to current students in a program can help with how you craft your personal statement, and also the kind of work you submit to them.
Also make sure to research about the place, the city. What it means to live there as a Black/African student. The cost of living. All of these things are important to make decisions.
Interested in sharing your MFA experience with us? Please fill out the form here.
About the Writer: Precious Obiabunmo is a graduate of English and Literature at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. She’s the Digital Content/Community Manager at Kachifo Limited. Connect with her on LinkedIn
