The LASUBEB Hall in Maryland, Lagos, will host the two-day tournament, featuring primary and secondary students competing in individual rapid and blitz chess tournaments.
Shedding light on the event, the NSSF Secretary General, Oba Funsho Usman, said, “This initiative aims to foster intellectual development, critical thinking, strategic skills, and sportsmanship among schoolchildren while promoting healthy competition and camaraderie. We encourage your state to select and prepare your best representatives to compete in this pivotal event.”
The event categories include U-9, U-12, U-15, and U-18, with outstanding students expected to represent Nigeria at international tournaments later in the year.
The NSSF President, Olabisi Joseph highlighted that the partnership with LASUBEB is aimed at identifying talents and encouraging mass participation in school sports across the country.
“We are excited to collaborate with LASUBEB in organising this year’s National School Board Games. The competition provides an excellent platform for pupils to showcase their talents, develop essential life skills, and represent their states in future sporting events. We hope to unearth talents that will represent the country in international tournaments. Chess is a sport that can help students intellectually, and organising such games is a continuation of classroom learning while also fostering friendships among students,” she added.
The Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Dr. Hakeem Shittu, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing that sports play a crucial role in the holistic development of pupils. He added that the Board has been committed to promoting sports alongside academics in public primary schools.
“We recognise that fostering a balance between intellectual and physical growth is essential for shaping well-rounded individuals. This collaboration with the National School Sport Federation will further strengthen our efforts in providing opportunities for our pupils to excel not just academically, but also in sports,” Dr. Shittu said.
