The Spirit child that has taken flesh and dwelled among us...

The longest-surviving student journal in West Africa, the annual periodical has been described by many as a priceless legacy of an enduring heritage of great and amazing literary tradition and a clear indication of the colossal wealth of creativity inherent in the University of Nigeria. Published annually by the English and Literary Students Association Nsukka, their interests have been focused in the area of creative, critical writing from students and aspiring writers for the past forty-eight years. It showcases young talents in poetry, short stories and critical writing. Many today have become famous and successful writers around the world which the Nsukka School of Art is known for, beginning from the heydays of Chinua Achebe and Christopher Okigbo.

The journal, as a reflection of the artistic and imaginative abilities of its writers, also serves as an avenue for the communication and clarification of global and societal issues and possible resolutions which could be undertaken. Using the electronic mail and social networks like Facebook, The Muse collects all form of submissions and has open discussion groups online for interaction with those who are outside Nsukka and cannot participate in its series of workshops and seminars.

First published in 1963, new editions of The Muse are published every year and celebrated during University of Nigeria Literary Arts Festival. The Muse publishes works from students and non-students from anywhere around the country and beyond. In 2011 it celebrated its 39th edition.

With a mission to encourage and reward excellence in creative and critical writing, its objective is to act as a practicing ground for young writers and to identify budding talents in all the genres of Literature, encouraging them through the award of prizes.

Some of the writers who were reared up in The Muse have gone ahead to become prominent figures in the world of Literary Arts. They include: Late Esiaba Irobi (poet); Prof. Emeka Nwabueze (playwright); Prof. Chimalum Nwankwo (Poet) at North Carolina State University, USA; Late Prof. Dubem Okafor and Prof. Unoma Azua, a writer and Editor of The Sentinel Nigeria.