Nigerian chess master and child education advocate Tunde Onakoya arrived in Maiduguri, Borno State, northeast Nigeria, last Friday, Aug. 30, to promote chess and unlock the potential of the region’s youth. However, what he found during his visits to some of the internally displaced persons (IDP) camps could reshape the perceptions and futures of children in this troubled region.

Invited by the Maiduguri Chess Club of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Officers Mess, Onakoya’s visit marks his first trip to northern Nigeria. He was unprepared for the profound impact of meeting these children, especially those living in IDP camps, whose untapped talents left a lasting impression.

“When I talked about coming to Maiduguri, many people were skeptical. But I’ve always believed in seeing beyond the single story,” he said. According to Onakoya, his mission in Maiduguri is not just about chess; it’s about changing narratives and providing hope. 

On Friday, Onakoya interacted with children at two Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, where he witnessed firsthand the remarkable speed with which the children grasped the game’s complexities. 

“These kids have shown an amazing understanding of chess despite being introduced to it just a week ago,” he marvelled.

Wamde Gadzama, one of the Maiduguri female chess enthusiasts asked to coach the kids ahead of Onajoya’s visit, said: “They were only introduced to the game of chess a week ago.”

At the Muna IDP camp, Onakoya engaged with an all-girls group of chess players who demonstrated their burgeoning skills. Seated comfortably on a mat, surrounded by the little girls, with the chess board between them, he shared his journey from a struggling child in Ikorodu, Lagos, to an international chess champion. 

“I want these children to see themselves as pawns on a chessboard, capable of becoming queens,” he said, drawing an analogy between the game and personal growth.

In Shuwari, Onakoya played with another set of children in a small compound, calling on parents to encourage their children’s participation in chess. “Chess transformed my life,” he explained. “It fosters creativity and strategic thinking, skills that are crucial for personal and societal growth.” 

According to Air Commodore CO Olaiye, the commander of NAF’s 105 Composite Group, “The Chess Club in Maiduguri aims to touch lives and better the society. Introducing chess to these children can give them the confidence to think critically and be a stepping stone for their future.”

In northeastern Nigeria, 2.8 million children across three conflict-affected states—Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa—require urgent education-in-emergency support, according to UNICEF Nigeria. These children are currently out of school. Introducing chess aims to provide meaningful engagement, thereby reducing the risk of future insecurity.

“Nigeria has a lot of out-of-school children, and if they are not meaningfully engaged, it could cause insecurity in the years to come. That is why we are partnering with Chess in Slums Africa to introduce chess to these children,” Olaiye added. 

In 2018, Tunde Onakoya founded Chess in Slums Africa to empower underprivileged children, starting in Lagos, southwest Nigeria, by teaching critical thinking and problem-solving skills through chess. The non-profit has impacted the lives of many children, securing scholarships for over 200 of them. Recently, Onakoya played chess for 60 hours to break a world record and raise $1 million for a charity supporting education for children across Africa.

Onakoya said his visit to Maiduguri is part of a larger vision. “Chess has given me opportunities to travel the world, and I want to bring that experience to the people of Maiduguri, working together with the Chess Club,” he said. “Chess is a universal language that connects us, regardless of our backgrounds.”

“The success of Onakoya’s visit is evident in the smiles and newfound confidence of the children who participated,” said Joseph Kadafur, who represents the Rotary Club of Maiduguri. “By playing chess, they are not only learning a game but also developing critical life skills. Chess teaches patience, foresight, and the ability to plan ahead—qualities that are essential for personal development and leadership.”

Amina Ibrahim, one of the girls trying their hand on the chess board, said the game helps her “to forget the bad memories of Boko Haram people.” 

Parents at the IDP camps expressed gratitude for the initiative.

“I don’t really know what it’s all about, but seeing my child, in the last six days, so engaged and enthusiastic about learning instead of roaming aimlessly is a thing of joy,” said Fatima, a mother at the Muna camp.

“We are planting seeds, and these seeds will grow into something beautiful,” Onakoya said. 

Onakoya’s Vision for Sustainability

As Onakoya concluded his visit to Maiduguri, he acknowledged that it had armed him with insights and a renewed commitment to nurturing young minds in the region.

“We will set up regular training sessions at the IDP camps, using volunteers who will be remunerated for their efforts,” Onakoya announced. “With just a pair of chess boards, these kids can astonish us with what they achieve independently.”

Emphasising the transformative power of chess, he added, “It’s not just about teaching them what to think, but guiding them on how to think for themselves.”

This initiative will be carried out in collaboration with Chess In The Slums Africa and Nigeria Air Force Officers’ Mess (NAFOM).

Onakoya also stressed the need for governmental support. “I think starting a conversation with the government on including chess in the curriculum is important. It’s thriving in places like China and America, but here in Africa, we haven’t fully embraced its value yet,” he said.

“We need to dignify these children, not demean them.”

He said the impact of chess was evident in the kids he met at the IDP camps, like Ali Mustafa and Amina, whose intellectual curiosity shone through during his visit. “This shows that the children are intellectually inclined, and the essence of Chess in the Slum is to demonstrate their potential when given the opportunity,” Onakoya added.

Looking ahead, he pledged to send 20,000 chess sets to the region, with strategic distribution to ensure maximum impact. “This is important, and we must give credit to the volunteers who have ignited the children’s minds with creative thinking.”

With plans for a future tournament to showcase the children’s skills, Onakoya’s vision is clear: “We can start changing lives, not just in public schools but also at the community levels.”