Platform Schools Wins Ecobank Chess Competition

Platform Schools has won the 2026 Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship for the third time.

The Ipaja-based school went home with N2.5 million.

Dayspring School, Oyo, finished second and went home with N2 million, while Kings College, Lagos, was third and went home with N1.5 million.

The third edition of the competition which was in partnership with the Nigeria Chess Federation, was held at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

It featured 1,500 students from 300 schools and focused on nurturing strategic thinking and intellectual development.

The event was held in a team format, beginning with the Primary Schools category on May 7, followed by Secondary on May 8. Participants also competed in a six-round rapid format.

Director Platform Schools, Dr Adebola Obe, noted that the school has established itself as a dominant force in school chess in Nigeria, winning the inaugural edition of the EcoBank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship and going on to represent the country at the international stage in Kazakhstan.

Mr. Obe, added that since the first victory, the school’s chess team has continued to excel. He added that the sustained success is anchored on the school’s policy that every child must participate in chess competitions.

He said: “It secured 2nd place the following year, and clinched 1st place both last year and again this year, cementing its reputation as a consistent champion.

“Platform Schools has made significant investment in training and developing its chess team, with the goal of preparing students to compete at the highest level and make Nigeria proud on the world stage. The school remains committed to using chess as a tool for de eloping critical thinking, discipline, and resilience in students, while showcasing Nigerian talent globally.”

Head of Educational and Social Services of Ecobank Nigeria, Adeunle Adewuyi, urged the students to strive hard to become Grand Masters in the near future.

“There are Grand Masters in Kenya, Rwanda and some other African countries, but, sadly, we don’t have any in Nigeria at the moment. It is our prayer that some of these students will become one in the near future,” he said.

Also speaking, the Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, lauded Ecobank Nigeria for its continued support. He highlighted the steady improvement in organisation and participation since the inaugural edition and assured stakeholders of an even more impactful event in 2026.

Beyond competition, the championship, is aimed at fostering critical thinking, discipline, and strategic skills among young people, with inclusive programs that also cater to schools for the blind.