The second edition of the Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship concluded with a resounding victory for the University of Lagos (UNILAG), marking their dominance in the tertiary institution category. Thirty-one universities from across Nigeria competed in the intense three-day tournament, culminating in UNILAG’s triumph. Their consistent performance throughout the six rounds earned them the coveted gold medal and the championship trophy, solidifying their position as the nation’s top university chess team. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, secured the second position and the silver medal, while Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, claimed the bronze medal, completing the top three.
The competition showcased a diverse representation of universities vying for the top spots. The University of Benin finished a close fourth, followed by the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan in fifth, and Delta State University, Abraka in sixth place. Lagos State University, Ojo Campus, secured the seventh position, while Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Triple E Chess Academy, and Chess in Slums Africa rounded out the top ten. Other notable participants included the University of Ibadan (14th), Federal University of Technology, Owerri (15th), Yaba College of Technology (20th), Redeemers University (29th), and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (30th).
The Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship wasn’t solely focused on university-level competition. It encompassed a wider scope, incorporating primary and secondary school categories, thereby promoting chess at all educational levels. The tournament commenced on Thursday with the primary school category, featuring an impressive 197 participating schools. Jareb Private School emerged victorious, demonstrating the growing popularity and skill development of chess among younger students.
Friday marked the second day of the championship, dedicated to the secondary school category. 134 secondary schools from across the country engaged in strategic battles on the chessboard. Platform School ultimately claimed the title, showcasing their prowess and tactical thinking in the face of stiff competition. The inclusion of these different categories underscores the tournament’s commitment to fostering a love for chess and nurturing talent across various age groups.
The final day of the championship, Saturday, focused on the tertiary institution category, culminating in UNILAG’s victory. The tournament structure ensured a comprehensive assessment of chess proficiency across the educational spectrum. By incorporating primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, the Ecobank championship highlighted the growing popularity of chess within Nigeria’s educational system and provided a platform for young talents to shine.
The championship boasted a substantial prize pool of N20 million, which was distributed among the top ten schools in each category. This significant financial incentive not only rewarded the winning teams but also underscored the importance placed on academic excellence and extracurricular achievements. In addition to the shared prize money, individual recognition was given to top-performing players through cash prizes and gifts awarded to the top five players on each board, further motivating participants and acknowledging individual brilliance in the game.
