Lagos hosts landmark 2025 Schools’ Chess Championship with ₦20m prize pool
The 2025 edition of the Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship concluded in grand fashion at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. Spanning three days of spirited competition, the event brought together 1,830 students from 366 schools across Nigeria, reaffirming Lagos’ reputation as the chess capital of West Africa.
The national tournament—powered by Ecobank Nigeria, MTN Nigeria, and education partner Schoolmate—offered a prize pool exceeding ₦20 million, marking a significant investment in youth development, education, and strategic thinking.
‘We don’t see chess as just a game—it’s a platform for mind development and leadership training,’ said Angela Babalola, Senior Manager, Total Quality Management, Customer Relations and Experience at MTN Nigeria. ‘Through platforms like this, we prepare our youth to go make a difference.’
Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Champions Crowned
Primary Division: 🏆 Jareb Private School clinched the ₦2 million grand prize 🥈 Chess in Slums Africa won ₦1.5 million 🥉 Baptist Group of Schools secured ₦1 million
Secondary Division: 🥇 Platform School claimed ₦2.5 million 🥈 Daysprings Secondary School received ₦2 million 🥉 Shima Academy earned ₦1.5 million
Tertiary Division: 🥇 University of Lagos emerged champion with ₦1 million 🥈 Nnamdi Azikiwe University won ₦500,000 🥉 Obafemi Awolowo University took ₦325,000
A standout moment came from Bethesda School for the Blind, whose students not only competed but also scored victories. Their performance was applauded by Prince Adeyinka Adewale, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation:
‘They won some games. That shows what’s possible when we empower all young people. Inclusion is the way forward.’
Global chess ambassador and MTN Go M.A.D. (Make A Difference) advocate, Tunde Onakoya, attended all three days of the tournament. The founder of Chess in Slums Africa and Guinness World Record holder engaged players throughout the championship, offering mentorship and encouragement.
‘Mr. Onakoya’s presence across all days highlights the importance of consistency, visibility and love for the game,’ said Prince Adewale.
Compared to the 2024 edition, the prize pool grew from ₦16 million to over ₦20 million, with every category seeing a significant boost. The commitment from MTN and Ecobank highlights a strategic vision to harness chess as a tool for national empowerment.
‘Chess teaches life—decisions, courage, patience, and resilience,” said Adewale during the closing ceremony. “When we raise thinkers, we raise leaders. And this championship proves that Nigeria is raising both.’
