Chess builds children’s minds for academic success — Expert

Chinedu-Rockson, who is also a FIDE-licensed (International Chess Federation) Arbiter, said this in an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday in Lagos State.

He explained that his passion for youth development inspired him to organise inter-school chess competitions for over a decade as part of efforts to nurture young analytical and creative thinkers across Nigeria.

According to him, harnessing the intellectual potential of children through chess contributes positively to nation-building, as it enhances logical reasoning, concentration, and decision-making skills essential for academic and personal success.

“Playing chess improves children’s cognitive abilities, analytical reasoning, and intelligence quotient, enabling stronger mental performance and better academic productivity,” Chinedu-Rockson said, emphasising the game’s developmental value beyond recreation.

He announced that the 16th Edition of the Chess and Life International Schools Competition would hold on Nov. 8 at Bowine International Schools, Lekki, Lagos, with more schools expected to participate.

Chinedu-Rockson revealed that 22 schools and more than 200 students would compete in the fast-growing event, reflecting the increasing inclusion of chess in school curricula as an elective subject nationwide.

He stressed that more efforts were needed to promote chess as a national sport and fully harness its mental and educational benefits for young people and the wider Nigerian society.

“Private and government sponsorship is crucial to improve the visibility and development of chess in Nigeria,” Chinedu-Rockson added, calling for broader collaboration to advance the sport’s growth.