20/07/2026
NIM ADVANCES INTELLECTUAL EXCELLENCE THROUGH NCF-ENDORSED, FIDE-RATED SCHOOLS CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP
In a remarkable demonstration of its commitment to youth development, intellectual advancement, and nation-building, the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) has successfully concluded the second edition of the NIM Schools Chess Championship, a prestigious competition that has firmly positioned itself as one of Nigeria's emerging platforms for nurturing the next generation of strategic thinkers and transformational leaders.
This year's championship marked a significant milestone in the history of the competition. Officially endorsed by the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) and rated by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the tournament attained global recognition, with games transmitted live to audiences across the world. Beyond the excitement of each move on the chessboard, the championship reinforced a powerful message: leadership begins with the ability to think critically, plan strategically, make sound decisions, and act with discipline.
Held in partnership with Dynamic Chess Ville, the competition brought together 22 schools, 11 primary and 11 secondary schools, from across Lagos State, represented by 44 exceptional young chess players. Over two days of intense but friendly competition, these brilliant minds displayed remarkable concentration, resilience, creativity, sportsmanship, and analytical thinking, qualities that mirror the very essence of effective management and leadership.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the President and Chairman of Council of the Institute, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba rtd FNIM fdc, described the championship as one of the Institute's strategic advocacy initiatives aimed at empowering young minds through intellectual engagement.
According to him, chess is far more than a recreational game; it is a practical classroom for developing strategic thinking, discipline, patience, problem-solving abilities, emotional intelligence, and ethical decision-making, competencies that will prepare young people to become future leaders in every sphere of society.
He noted that the championship was deliberately designed to foster inclusivity, healthy competition, intellectual excellence, and meaningful peer interaction while creating a supportive environment where young talents can thrive.
The tournament lived up to its promise, producing exciting contests and memorable performances that culminated in the emergence of deserving champions.
Secondary Schools Category
🏆 Champions: Gemliz Group of School – ₦250,000
🥈 First Runner-Up: King's College – ₦200,000
🥉 Second Runner-Up: Pivot Model Academy – ₦150,000
Primary Schools Category
🏆 Champions: Jareb Private School – ₦200,000
🥈 First Runner-Up: Chess in Slums – ₦120,000
🥉 Second Runner-Up: Truevine Primary School – ₦80,000
In addition to the impressive cash prizes, winners received trophies and medals, while all participating schools were presented with certificates in recognition of their outstanding participation and commitment to academic and intellectual excellence.
One of the defining highlights of the closing ceremony was the commendation from the Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Prince Adeyinka Adewole, who attended as the Special Guest of Honour.
He applauded the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) for investing in the future of Nigerian children through chess, describing the initiative as a significant contribution to the continued growth and development of the game in Nigeria. He particularly appreciated the Institute's collaboration with the Federation, which made it possible for the championship to secure official FIDE rating, thereby elevating its international profile and giving participants valuable global exposure.
Prince Adewole encouraged the Institute to sustain and expand the initiative, noting that such programmes create lasting opportunities for young talents while strengthening Nigeria's standing within the international chess community.
In his closing remarks, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (Rtd) reaffirmed the Institute's unwavering commitment to the initiative, announcing plans to “expand the championship beyond Lagos State from next year, transforming it into a truly national competition that will provide opportunities for many more schools across the country.” He also disclosed that the Institute intends to increase the prize money in future editions, further motivating young participants to pursue excellence.
The President equally expressed profound appreciation to the competition's partners and sponsors, including Laterna Books, Marvel Hotel, and CLE Engineering Consult Nig. Ltd., whose generous cash and product donations contributed immensely to the success of the championship.
As the final kings were crowned and the last chess pieces rested on the board, one truth became unmistakably clear: the NIM Schools Chess Championship is about far more than winning games. It is about shaping minds, cultivating character, inspiring excellence, and preparing a generation equipped to lead with wisdom, foresight, integrity, and strategic vision.
Through initiatives such as this, the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) continues to demonstrate that management excellence begins long before the boardroom, it begins in the classroom, on the chessboard, and in every opportunity that challenges young people to think critically, compete honourably, and dream boldly.
Indeed, every move made during the championship was more than a chess move. It was another strategic step toward building Nigeria's future leaders.
