Nexford University awards scholarship to chess player in slum

Washington DC-based Nexford University, in collaboration with Tunde Onakoya Chess in Slums Africa, has awarded Nigeria’s Jamiu Ninilowo, winner of its novelty game, with 100 per cent scholarship.

According to a statement signed by Olamidun Majekodunmi, Country Director of Nexford University, on Tuesday, the university also gave Ninilowo a laptop and an internet modem.

Majekodunmi said that Ninilowo, who had distinctions in West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination, had been desiring to be a student of the university.

Our Correspondent reports that Nexford University on Monday held a chess competition at the Community Space, Lekki, Lagos.

The competition featured students of the university and champions of Chess in Slums.

“This event marks the start of the Nexford University graduation week.

“The online university that upholds flexible and affordable learning believes in identifying unique offerings to help our learners and graduates stand out from the crowd.

“Today signals the launch of Nexford’s graduation week, and we have found a clear alignment between Chess in Slums and Nexford University.

“We are producing next-generation leaders and providing unique opportunities for life-changing upliftment,” Majekodunmi said.

He quoted Ninilowo as saying, “I am very excited because winning the scholarship will help me to achieve my dreams.”

Peter Abidogun, Director of Chess Education from Chess in Slums Africa, described chess as a game about survival, strategy and how to deal with life, according to Majekodunmi.

“This is a lovely experience involving players from the slums, not the usual type of experience we get.

“We normally get to teach kids from the comfort of their homes, expensive schools, but when you are teaching kids from the slums, the streets, it is a different ball game because the game is very practical,” he quoted Abidogun as saying.

He also quoted Sally Okogho, the university’s Regional Communication Manager, as saying, “Your location shouldn’t limit you. With your laptop, you are connected to the world.

“Nexford University offers a global experience and skills that enable you hop to global opportunities.”

Our Correspondent also reports that Nexford University creates flexible learning by allowing students to learn where they want and when they want.