‎The Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) has called on the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) (Chartered) to sustain and expand its Schools Chess Championship to strengthen grassroots chess development across the country.

‎The NCF Vice-President, Adeyinka Adewole, made the appeal on Saturday during the closing ceremony of the second edition of the championship in Lagos State.

‎Adewole commended NIM for providing young players with opportunities to participate in organised competitions while exposing them to international chess standards.

‎He said the partnership between NIM and the NCF enabled the tournament to receive official approval and rating from the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

‎“NIM should sustain the initiative and expand it to provide more opportunities for young chess talents across the country,” Adewole said.

‎The President of NIM, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (rtd), said the championship was designed to promote strategic thinking, discipline, sportsmanship and intellectual excellence among pupils and students.

‎The competition, organised in partnership with Dynamic Chess Ville, featured primary and secondary school pupils from across Lagos State.

‎A total of 22 schools, comprising 11 primary schools and 11 secondary schools, participated in the tournament, with 44 contestants competing for honours.

‎Ayuba noted that the championship was endorsed by the Nigeria Chess Federation and officially rated by FIDE, while the event was streamed live to a global audience.

‎He disclosed that NIM plans to expand the competition beyond Lagos and transform it into a national schools chess championship from next year.

‎According to him, the initiative aims to encourage healthy competition, develop critical thinking skills and nurture future chess champions.

‎Ayuba also appreciated Laterna Books, Marvel Hotel and CLE Engineering Consult Nigeria Limited for supporting the competition through cash sponsorship and product donations.

‎In the secondary school category, Gemliz Group of School emerged champions and received the ₦250,000 grand prize.

‎King’s College finished as first runner-up, while Pivot Model Academy secured second runner-up position.

‎In the primary school category, Jareb Private School claimed the championship title, ahead of Chess in Slums and Truevine Primary School.

‎The winners received cash prizes, trophies and medals, while all participating schools were presented with certificates of participation.