More than 2,000 students representing 500 schools from across Nigeria are expected to participate in the 2025 EcoBank National School Team Chess Championship, scheduled to take place from 26 to 28 June at the EcoBank Pan African Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
This was confirmed by the Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Adeyinka Adewale, during a press conference held on Friday in Lagos.
Adewale stated that the championship is designed to advance the growth of chess in Nigeria and to unearth fresh talent from all corners of the country.
“The EcoBank National School Team Chess Championship will bring together top young players from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions,” he said.
“We are expecting over 500 schools and more than 2,000 students. It is a fantastic platform to discover hidden talents nationwide.
“Many gifted children have not had the chance to compete at this level before. This tournament gives us the opportunity to identify them and provide the necessary support.”
He described the championship as a major opportunity for young players to demonstrate their abilities against tough national competition.
“I am looking forward to an exciting tournament, full of energy, with passionate young players ready to showcase their chess skills,” Adewale added.
He underlined the value of chess in cultivating strategic thinking and problem-solving among Nigerian youth.
“We are proud to support this initiative, which contributes meaningfully to the development of young talent in Nigeria,” he said.
Adewale also described the event as a unifying and inspiring competition that will bring together schools from across the country.
“This championship is the result of strong collaboration between the Nigeria Chess Federation, MTN Communications and EcoBank,” he noted.
“We hope all participants enjoy the experience and that the tournament makes a lasting impression.”
He pointed out that such events indirectly create employment opportunities, as they lead to the engagement of instructors to teach chess in schools.
“If chess becomes a compulsory subject in schools, it would result in the recruitment of many qualified coaches,” he explained.
With just days to go, Adewale said anticipation is building among students, teachers and chess lovers alike.
Also speaking at the press conference, Adebukola Ademuyi, Head of Education Field and Social Services at EcoBank, reaffirmed the bank’s ongoing commitment to education and youth development.
“As a truly pan-African institution, we are proud to once again partner with the Nigeria Chess Federation for this important tournament,” she said.
“This partnership is aligned with our human capital strategy and corporate social responsibility vision.
“We support initiatives that make a meaningful contribution to Nigeria’s intellectual growth and long-term prosperity,” Ademuyi added.
She noted that chess promotes cognitive development and serves as a powerful tool for youth empowerment across different communities.
“We are thrilled to support this event and its wide-reaching impact on young people throughout the country,” she said.
The EcoBank National School Team Chess Championship is set to be a landmark event in Nigeria’s educational and sporting calendar. Backed by EcoBank’s sponsorship, the competition aims to challenge, inspire and uplift the next generation of chess talent.
A substantial prize pool has been announced, encouraging participants to deliver their best performances over the course of the three-day event.
The tournament will feature three categories: primary, secondary and tertiary. Each will be divided into three team groups, with the finals scheduled to take place on Saturday, 28 June.