Chess in Slums Africa Founder, Tunde Onakoya, Launches Ambitious Initiative to Empower 10,000 Out-of-School Children through Chess and Education

Tunde Onakoya, the visionary Founder of Chess in Slums Africa, has unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at transforming the lives of thousands of vulnerable children in Nigeria. With a focus on those living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, the initiative will use chess as a platform for education and empowerment, reaching 10,000 out-of-school children across Northern Nigeria. The project, which will officially kick off next year, is part of a strategic partnership with the NAFOM Chess Club in Maiduguri, Borno State. Through a combination of chess, critical thinking, literacy, and numeracy programs, Onakoya aims to provide these children with the tools to take control of their futures.

Onakoya, who has been at the forefront of using chess as a vehicle for social change, recently shared his experiences of teaching chess to children in vastly different environments. Reflecting on the universal potential of young minds, he emphasized the importance of equal opportunity for all, regardless of background.

“I’ve had the privilege of teaching chess to children at the prestigious Martial Chess Club in New York, surrounded by some of the brightest chess and math minds in the world. Recently, I also taught chess to children with no formal education in an IDP camp in Maiduguri, Borno State. And let me tell you, both groups—regardless of background—grasped the intricate fundamentals of chess with equal brilliance. Talent is universal, but opportunity is not,” Onakoya explained.

This comparison of children from a world-renowned chess club and those living in makeshift camps highlights the stark contrast in opportunities available to young people, depending on their circumstances. The plight of Nigeria’s out-of-school children—estimated at over 20 million—has become a crisis that Onakoya is determined to address.

“It breaks my heart that over 20 million children in Nigeria are out of school, deprived of the chance to unlock their potential. These children deserve more than just survival—they deserve the tools to build a future. We cannot stand idly by and let them believe there is no hope,” he said, calling for urgent action to provide these children with the resources they need to thrive.

The newly announced project in collaboration with NAFOM Chess Club Maiduguri is set to make a significant impact. By integrating chess with foundational education programs, Onakoya and his team aim to foster not only strategic thinking but also essential skills that can serve as a stepping stone for these children’s futures. The initiative is centered around chess as a tool for developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience—skills that will empower children to take charge of their own destinies.

“Through chess, critical thinking, and basic literacy and numeracy programs, we will open doors for these children to take control of their future,” Onakoya elaborated. The partnership aims to create a supportive learning environment in IDP camps, where these children—many of whom have experienced displacement and hardship—can develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed.

Although the project’s full launch is slated for next year, Onakoya and his team are already laying the foundation for its success. Plans are being put in place to ensure that the program is comprehensive, sustainable, and capable of creating long-term, transformative change. “We are putting together a comprehensive plan to bring this vision to life,” he noted, emphasizing the strategic groundwork being laid.

As Chess in Slums Africa prepares to embark on this groundbreaking initiative, Onakoya’s message is one of hope and empowerment. “Together, we can create real, lasting change for these children. Let’s be the difference they need,” he urged, calling on communities and stakeholders to support this vital cause.

This new initiative builds on Chess in Slums Africa’s proven track record of using chess as a catalyst for social impact, especially in underserved communities. By unlocking the potential of out-of-school children through chess and education, the organization continues to demonstrate that, with the right opportunities, these young minds can achieve greatness, no matter their circumstances.