Chess federation commends NIM over FIDE-rated schools tourney

President/Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (rtd) alongside the Vice President of Nigeria Chess Federation, Prince Adeyinka Adewole and the Registrar/Chief Executive, NIM, Dr. Ganiyat Olusesi, presenting the making a presentation to winners of Primary School category of the Institute’s NIM Schools Chess Championship, Jareb Private School.

The Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Adeyinka Adewole, has commended the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) for using its Schools Chess Championship to promote grassroots development of the game, describing the initiative as a major contribution to chess growth in the country.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the second edition of the championship in Lagos, Adewole said the competition has created a platform for discovering young talents while exposing them to international standards through its recognition by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

He praised the institute for partnering with the Nigeria Chess Federation, noting that the collaboration made it possible for the tournament to secure FIDE approval.

“This initiative is helping to grow the game of chess in Nigeria. We appreciate the Nigerian Institute of Management for involving the Federation, which enabled the championship to be approved by FIDE. That has given the competition international recognition,” he said.

Adewole urged the institute to sustain the championship and continue investing in young players, saying consistent grassroots competitions are critical to producing future national and international champions.

The championship featured 44 contestants drawn from 22 schools—11 primary and 11 secondary schools—with two players representing each school.

In the secondary school category, Gemliz Group of Schools emerged champions to win the N250,000 grand prize. Kings College finished as first runner-up and received N200,000, while Pivot Model Academy claimed third place with N150,000.

Jareb Private School won the primary school category and the N200,000 top prize. Chess in Slums placed second to receive N120,000, while Truevine Primary School came third and earned N80,000.

In his closing remarks, President and Chairman of Council, NIM, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (rtd), pledged to expand the competition in future editions by accommodating more schools, increasing the prize money and extending the championship beyond Lagos to make it a national event.

He said the championship was designed to promote strategic thinking, discipline, sportsmanship and intellectual excellence among young Nigerians through chess.