The inaugural National School Board Games, a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) in partnership with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), served as a platform for unearthing exceptional young talent from across Nigeria. This two-day tournament, drawing participation from over 300 students, witnessed the meteoric rise of 17-year-old Ferdinand Tersee Nyuima, a relatively unknown chess prodigy who captured the nation’s attention with his remarkable prowess. Nyuima, a senior class three student from Platform College in Lagos, dominated the boys’ U-18 chess competition, leaving no doubt about his status as Nigeria’s leading young chess player. His triumph unfolded in the presence of distinguished guests, including government officials, sports administrators, and education leaders, all of whom recognized the significance of the event in nurturing the intellectual and competitive spirit of Nigerian youth.
The event was graced by the presence of key figures in Nigerian education and sports, including Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education; Lanre Ogunjobi, representing the National Sports Commission (NSC); Dr. Hakeem Shittu, Chairman of LASUBEB; and Olabisi Joseph, President of the NSSF. Their attendance underscored the importance placed on the development of school sports and the recognition of the National School Board Games as a vital stepping stone for young athletes. Commissioner Alli-Balogun expressed immense pride in Lagos State hosting the inaugural games and pledged unwavering support for future editions. He emphasized the value of collaboration between NSSF and LASUBEB, urging other states to emulate this partnership to advance sports development across the nation.
Lanre Ogunjobi, representing NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, highlighted the alignment of the games with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This agenda focuses on youth development and empowerment, recognizing the crucial role of sports in fostering physical and mental well-being. Ogunjobi reiterated the NSC’s commitment to supporting NSSF programs aimed at cultivating healthy competition among young Nigerians and providing avenues for them to showcase their talents. The National School Board Games, he noted, perfectly embodies this vision by creating a platform for students to compete at a national level and potentially represent Nigeria on the international stage.
Dr. Hakeem Shittu, Chairman of LASUBEB, expressed immense satisfaction with the successful execution of the games and vowed to amplify the scale and impact of future editions. He envisioned the National School Board Games becoming a flagship event in the Nigerian school sports calendar, attracting even greater participation and generating more opportunities for young athletes. Dr. Shittu’s commitment signifies the dedication of LASUBEB to fostering a vibrant sporting culture within schools and recognizing the importance of extracurricular activities in the holistic development of students.
NSSF President Olabisi Joseph extended her commendations to all participating students and teams, particularly those who travelled from the Northern, Eastern, and Southern regions of Nigeria to compete. This widespread participation underscored the national reach and significance of the games, bringing together young athletes from diverse backgrounds and fostering a sense of unity through sports. Joseph expressed her ambition to expand the reach of such initiatives to other states, encouraging wider participation and creating more opportunities for talent identification. She emphasized the potential of these games to serve as a pipeline for identifying and nurturing future sporting stars.
Joseph further highlighted the international prospects for the winners of the National School Board Games, stating that they would have the opportunity to represent Nigeria at prestigious international competitions. These include the International School Sports Federation (ISF) games and the African School Sports Games, scheduled to be held in Serbia and Morocco respectively. This international exposure would provide invaluable experience for the young athletes, allowing them to compete against their peers from other countries and gain valuable exposure on the global stage. Joseph also acknowledged the support of LASUBEB and the Lagos State government in hosting the inaugural games, expressing her hope that other states would follow suit and partner with the NSSF to organize similar sporting events that contribute to the identification and development of young talent within schools.
