Ecobank Nigeria has revealed plans for the 2026 Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship, in conjunction with the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF).
Unveiling plans for this year’s championship, which is the third edition, Mr Adekunle Adewuyi, Segment Head: Education, Faith-Based and Social Services, Ecobank Nigeria, said all hands are on deck for a successful organisation of the championship scheduled for May 7 and 8, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to him, the championship in its third edition is rapidly growing, and award-winning scholastic competition is attracting thousands of students, aimed at promoting intellectual growth and fostering future chess grandmasters.
Adewuyi said, “Last year’s edition saw massive growth with over 2, 500 students from 450 schools participating, but I want to assure you all that this year’s edition will surpass that number.”
Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Prince Adeyinka Adewole, while appreciating the management of Ecobank Nigeria for the sponsorship of the championship, said this year’s edition will surpass the first two editions.
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He said, “The first edition was a bit challenging, but we improved on it during the second edition held last year, and with what is on the ground, I want to assure you that this year’s edition will not only be better than the previous editions, but will also be bigger.”
Adewole said that the championship is a team event, and this year’s edition will start with the primary schools category on May 7, before the secondary and tertiary institutions.
He added that the championship is open to primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions across Nigeria, featuring a six-round rapid format.
The championship offers a significant prize pool exceeding N20 million, along with trophies, medals, and certificates of participation.
According to the organisers, the championship is organised to improve critical thinking, discipline, and strategic skills among youth, with initiatives including schools for the blind.
