Ecobank Nigeria has announced the 2026 edition of the National Schools’ Team Chess Championship in partnership with the Nigeria Chess Federation, as the lender deepens its push into youth development through education-driven initiatives.
The competition, which has become one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing school chess events, is scheduled to hold in May at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre in Lagos and is expected to bring together more than 2,000 students from primary and secondary schools across the country.
According to a statement issued by Ecobank Nigeria, the 2026 edition will feature a record-breaking N20 million prize pool, making it the biggest prize fund since the championship began.
The bank said the tournament is designed not only to promote competitive chess among young Nigerians but also to strengthen critical thinking, discipline and problem-solving skills among students.
Participation rises as championship expands nationwide
Interest in the championship has continued to grow since its launch.
Participation increased from 1,210 students in 2024 to more than 1,800 in 2025, while organisers expect this year’s edition to surpass previous records as more schools register from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The tournament will be played in a six-round rapid chess format, with schools fielding their strongest teams in both primary and secondary school categories.
Speaking on the development, Austen Osokpor, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication at Ecobank Nigeria, said the championship aligns with the bank’s broader youth empowerment strategy.
“Chess is a powerful educational tool that builds problem-solving skills, discipline, and strategic thinking. Through this championship, Ecobank is creating a platform that inspires young minds while promoting healthy competition and intellectual growth,” he said.
Inclusion takes centre stage in 2026 edition
A major feature of this year’s championship is the inclusion of students from schools for the visually impaired, marking the first time the event is being expanded to accommodate broader accessibility participation.
The Nigeria Chess Federation said the move reflects its commitment to ensuring equal opportunity for every child, regardless of physical limitations.
Vice President of the federation, Adeyinka Adewole, described the championship as a nation-building platform beyond sport.
“This event is about more than just winning; it is about nurturing future champions in life. The inclusive nature of this year’s tournament reinforces our commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to excel,” he said.
Why this matters
Nigeria has increasingly embraced chess as a developmental learning tool in schools, with stakeholders seeing the game as a low-cost but high-impact method of improving concentration, memory and analytical ability among children.
Under the leadership of NCF President Ibrahim Dankwambo, the federation has intensified efforts to move chess from a niche extracurricular activity into mainstream school programming nationwide.
For Ecobank, the championship also strengthens its positioning in education-focused corporate social investment, using intellectual sport as a channel to support long-term human capital development.
Read also: Jerry Eze Foundation Shortlisted Candidates for $525,000 Entrepreneurship Grant
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
FOLLOW US & Share this with someone who needs to see this.
🚨BREAKING: Watch The Video Clip Here ➤
