The Platform Schools, Lagos, has emerged winner of the NNPC-SNEPCo and Chess in Slums Africa, Lagos State Schools Chess Championship.

Titled, ‘Powering Progress through Chess,’ the grand finale of the competition had students and founder, Chess in Slums Africa and Guinness Book of World Record holder, Tunde Onakoya and Vice-President, Nigeria Chess Federation, Prince Adewole Adeyinka in attendance.

Platform Schools, Ipaja, who secured the first position, won a cash prize of N500,000. The second-place holder, Sasa Community Junior, and Secondary School, won N300,000, while the third-place winners, Abiolu School, Igando, and Impetus Dominion Academy, each received N100,000.

Platform Schools winners were Nyuma Ferdinand, Adeksnye Adejwon, Obe Amir, Taiwo Olamide, and Taiwo Ibrahim.

 Director of Platform Schools, Lagos, Dr Bola Obe, also shared keys to the consistent academic and extracurricular success of his students.

The school has consistently produced top performers in a range of disciplines, including academics, spelling bee, science olympiad, and chess.

Obe talked about the institution’s impressive track record of success in academics and extracurricular activities.

“Our students have consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving a success rate of over 95 per cent in national and international exams,” Obe said.

He attributed this success to the school’s foundation of academic excellence, which is supported by a team of experienced and dedicated educators who use innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.

“Beyond academics, Platform Schools have earned recognition in several extracurricular competitions. The institution’s spelling bee participants have ranked among the top, with multiple students winning awards at both national and international levels. The school’s science olympiad teams have also garnered medals and awards in various categories.

In chess, Platform Schools’ students have showcased remarkable skill, winning national and international tournaments,” he said.

Obe noted that the chess club, one of the most popular extracurricular activities at the school, provided expert coaching and training to nurture students’ strategic thinking.

Obe revealed that the secret to the school’s success lied in its holistic approach to education.

“The institution fosters the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development of each student, creating a nurturing environment where they are encouraged to explore their interests and develop their talents.

 “We aim to prepare students for success in a complex and interconnected world, offering a well-rounded education that equips them with life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration,” he said.

Obe reiterated that Platform Schools’ remarkable achievements in academics and extracurricular activities were a reflection of the institution’s commitment to providing a comprehensive education.

“We believe every child has the potential to excel, and we are dedicated to helping our students realise their full potential,” he added.