The National Schools’ Team Chess Championship is Nigeria’s premier inter-school chess competition, launched in 2023 and rapidly growing into a national youth movement. The championship which is organized by the Nigeria Chess Federation in partnership with Ecobank Nigeria, fosters critical thinking, discipline, and intellectual development among students. 

By 2024, it had expanded to over 1,200 students from 250+ schools across 18 states and the FCT, competing for a prize pool exceeding ₦15 million. Hosted at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lagos, it features primary, secondary, and tertiary categories. Champions like UNILAG, DaySpring School, and Marvelvine Montessori have gained national acclaim. The event also highlights inclusivity and social impact, with initiatives like Chess in Slums Africa participating. With support from FIDE and the Ministry of Sports, it aims to become a pipeline for global school chess excellence. The championship is now an annual celebration of youth brilliance through chess.

Her mission is to promote chess education in Nigerian schools, develop young talents, and create a competitive platform that fosters strategic thinking, sportsmanship, and academic excellence through the royal game of chess.

Brief History

🏁 Origins & Evolution

• Launched in 2023 as part of Nigeria’s participation in FIDE's World Schools Team Chess Championship. Back then, about 15 schools participated 
• Rapid growth: By the 2024 edition, participation surged to over
  1,200 students from more than
  250 schools spanning 18 states + FCT 
• Partnership: The Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) and Ecobank Nigeria jointly organize the event, showcasing how public‑private synergy can fuel youth development 

📅 2024 Championship (May 24–28, Victoria Island, Lagos)

• Venue: Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC)
• Prize pool: Over ₦15 million awarded across categories
• Participants:
   
  • 118 primary schools
•  
  • 86 secondary schools
•  
  • 42 tertiary institutions
•  

Winners by Category:

1st Place Main Winner

 Tertiary: University of Lagos (UNILAG)
 Secondary: DaySpring School (Lagos)
 Primary: Marvelvine Montessori School

Runner-up / 2nd 

 Tertiary: University of Benin
 Secondary: Platforms School
 Primary:  Scholars Academy, Ibadan

3rd Place 

 Tertiary: Chess in Slums Africa 
 Secondary: Ireti Senior Grammar School 
 Primary:  Okikioluwa Junior School 

🗣️ Highlights from Organizers

• NCF VP Prince Adeyinka Adewole noted tournament growth—from 15 schools to 250+ in a year—and praised Ecobank’s support as a model for advancing sports education.
• Ecobank MD Bolaji Lawal described the initiative as essential to youth intellectual and sports development, reaffirming its intent to make the competition annual.
• Federal Ministry of Sports extended commendation, emphasizing chess as a tool for social inclusion and mental skill development.

🌟 Broader Impact

• Educational value: Emphasized for fostering critical thinking, discipline, focus, and problem-solving among students.
• Inclusivity: Draws participants across age groups and regions, including innovative programs like “Chess in Slums Africa”.
• International pipeline: Part of a strategy by FIDE to link schools worldwide, offering Nigerian winners access to global arenas like the World Schools Team Chess Championship.

📅 Events So Far

• 2023 (Inaugural): Modest start with ~15 schools.
• 2024: Full-scale national competition with 1,200+ competitors; massive expansion and stakes.
• Future: Tournament expected to continue annually with further enhancements, possibly rotating venue or expanding categories.

🏆 Championship Highlights

• UNILAG’s dominance in tertiary chess—solidifying its reputation in collegiate chess 
• DaySpring & Marvelvine gaining spotlight in secondary and primary categories, with Marvelvine earning representation in global contests 
• The compelling story of
  Dayspring School in 2024—drawn predominantly from a children’s home—highlights chess’s social upliftment potential

2nd Edition Overview

The Event Detail

This prestigious tournament will take place from June 26th to June 28th, 2025, at Pan African Centre, Lagos, showcasing the best young chess talents in Nigeria.

• Wednesday, 25th June 2025
• Press conference, players' accreditation, and technical session
• All coaches and players' representatives are expected to attend
• 
  
• Thursday, 26th June 2025
• Primary School Category + Closing Ceremony
• 
  
• Friday, 27th June 2025
• Secondary School Category + Closing Ceremony
• 
  
• Saturday, 28th June 2025
• Tertiary Institution Category + Closing Ceremony

Tournament Format

• * Team-based competition (5 players per school, no reserve players)
• * Swiss System format across 6 rounds
• * Rapid time control: 10 minutes + 3 seconds increment
• * Categories: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Schools (played on separate days)
• * Each category will have its closing ceremony on its respective game day
• * Board medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze) will be awarded to outstanding players in each board position

To download the Category Rules for Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions, click the WhatsApp icon on the Official website to join the group chat.

Prince Adeyinka Adewole (NCF National Vice President) welcomes all

Watch his Speech

Visit the Official website to learn more.

Quick links:

Chess Result Page

Photos & Videos of Championship 2024

Moments of Championship 2025 as it unfolds

Resources of Interest

About FIDE

About Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF)

How to Turn an Average Kid into a Super Intelligent Kid: The Story of Kosisochukwu from Lagos