UNILAG Leads Triumph at 2024 Ecobank National Schools' Chess Championship

In the recently concluded 2024 Ecobank National Schools' Teams Chess Competition, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) emerged as the winner in the tertiary category, while DaySpring School and Marvelvine Montessori School claimed victory in the secondary and primary categories respectively.

May 28, 2024 - 18:35

UNILAG Leads Triumph at 2024 Ecobank National Schools' Chess Championship

In a thrilling showcase of intellectual prowess and strategic thinking, the University of Lagos (UNILAG), alongside DaySpring School and Marvelvine Montessori School, emerged as victors in the tertiary, secondary, and primary schools' categories, respectively, at the 2024 Ecobank National Schools' Teams Chess Competition. Held at the prestigious Pan African Centre in Lagos over the weekend, this competition brought together over 1200 players from more than 250 schools across 18 states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The event, described as the largest gathering of chess players in Africa, garnered significant attention and excitement from participants and spectators alike. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), lauded the growth of the Championship since its inception last year, attributing its success to the collaborative efforts between NCF and Ecobank. With over 250 schools participating in this year's edition, Adewole expressed gratitude for Ecobank's unwavering support, highlighting their commitment to empowering young minds and fostering intellectual growth.

University of Lagos claimed the top spot in the tertiary school category, followed by University of Benin and Chess in Slums Africa (CISA), while DaySpring School, Platforms School, and Ireti Senior Grammar School clinched the top three positions in the secondary school category. Marvelvine Montessori School secured first place in the primary school category, with Scholars Academy, Ibadan, and Okikioluwa Junior School following closely behind.

SEE MORE: UNILAG VC Affirms Commitment to Collaborative Knowledge Creation Ecosystem

Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director/Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, emphasized the bank's dedication to supporting intellectual and sports development in Nigeria, aligning with its strategic human capital development drive. He praised the young participants as "rising stars" and affirmed Ecobank's commitment to making the partnership an annual event.

Representatives from the Ministry of Sports also commended the resilience and determination displayed by the students, hailing them as exemplars of the Nigerian spirit. The success of the National Schools Team Chess Championship underscores the growing importance of intellectual competitions in fostering critical thinking and strategic skills among Nigerian youth.