The Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) Chartered has its inaugural chess tournament for primary and secondary school students.The move, the institute said, is aimed at encouraging young minds to think strategically and plan, even as it lays the groundwork for a future generation of leaders and professionals with the skills needed to excel in the workplace.

The event, which saw participation from 20 schools, is part of NIM’s broader initiative to promote strategic thinking, problem-solving, and critical thinking among young Nigerians.

Speaking at the maiden chess tournament organised in collaboration with Dynamic Chess Ville in Lagos, NIM President and Chairman of Council, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, said the institute was committed to stimulating the intellectual capacities of young boys and girls.

He said the institute sees the chessboard as a space where each player manages to achieve a strategic end state, stating that the initiative aligns with the institute’s vision of promoting management excellence from a young age.

“It aims to be a source and symbol of management excellence, starting from a young age. When we talk about management excellence, we want to take it from the level of the youths,” he said.

Registrar and Chief Executive of NIM, Taiwo Olusesi said the focus was on helping young participants understand the concept of management and develop a culture of excellence in everything they do.

By doing so, she said it aims to equip young ones with essential skills that will benefit them in their future careers.She further highlighted that the tournament was designed to be inclusive, engaging young people from various backgrounds and fostering a sense of community.