Ecobank Nigeria, in partnership with the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), says it will host the third edition of the Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship in May.
The organisers said in a statement on Saturday that the championship was aimed to promoting critical thinking and intellectual development among young Nigerians.
According to the Vice President of the NCF, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, the championship will hold from May 7 to May 8 at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Lagos.
Adewole stated that the competition is open to primary and secondary schools nationwide and it is expected to feature more than 2,000 students.
He said the tournament would adopt a six-round rapid format, with primary school pupils competing on May 7 and secondary school students on May 8.
Adewole added that students from schools for the visually impaired would also participate, reflecting the inclusive nature of the championship.
He noted that the 2026 edition will feature a N20 million prize pool, with participating schools competing in team-based formats across both categories.
In his speech, the Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Austen Osokpor, explained that the initiative aligns with the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility focus on education and youth empowerment.
“Chess is a powerful educational tool that builds problem-solving skills, discipline and strategic thinking.
“Through this championship, Ecobank is providing a platform that inspires young minds, while promoting healthy competition and intellectual growth,” he said.
Osokpor added that the tournament has evolved into a platform for discovering emerging chess talents, while fostering teamwork, leadership and mental agility among students.
He said a leading school brand, Schoolmate, had joined the 2026 edition as a co-sponsor in line with its corporate social responsibility objectives.
The 2026 edition is expected to attract schools from across the country, with stakeholders in education and sports development commending the initiative for its impact on youth development.
GIK/APA