Schools chess championship gains momentum as Ecobank backs young talents

Posted : 30 April 2026

The 2026 Ecobank National Schools Team Chess Championship is set to build on its growing reputation as a breeding ground for young talents, with organisers projecting increased participation ahead of the May 7–8 event in Lagos.

Backed by Ecobank in partnership with the Nigeria Chess Federation, the championship continues to attract widespread interest from schools nationwide, reflecting a steady rise in youth engagement with the game.

At a media briefing in Lagos, Mr. Adekunle Adewuyi, Head of Education, Faith-Based and Social Services at Ecobank, emphasised the broader impact of the initiative beyond competition.

He noted that chess plays a vital role in shaping critical life skills such as analytical thinking, discipline, and decision-making—qualities essential for leadership and career success.

Adewuyi pointed to the tournament’s rapid growth, revealing that participation expanded from 1,210 students in 2024 to 1,830 students representing 360 schools in 2025, with expectations of surpassing those figures this year.

On the technical side, the Nigeria Chess Federation reaffirmed its readiness to deliver a seamless tournament.

Its Vice President, Mr. Adeyinka Adewole, disclosed that about 300 schools, split evenly between primary and secondary categories, are anticipated to compete.

He highlighted the championship’s track record of producing players who have gone on to represent Nigeria internationally, adding that sustained investment could further unlock opportunities for young players.

Adewole also underscored the evolving career prospects within the sport, noting that chess is creating pathways for employment as coaches, instructors, and certified arbiters.

Supporting the initiative, Mr. Ambesh Kumar, Marketing Head of Schoolmate Nigeria, said the partnership aligns with efforts to promote holistic development among students through education and structured competition.

As anticipation builds, the championship is increasingly being recognised not just as a contest of intellect, but as a platform shaping confident, strategic, and future-ready young Nigerians.

The continued collaboration between Ecobank and the Nigeria Chess Federation ensures that the tournament remains a cornerstone for youth empowerment and academic excellence. By fostering a competitive yet educational environment, the event provides a vital stage for the next generation of strategic thinkers to flourish.

Schools chess championship gains momentum as Ecobank backs young talents

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics