In a remarkable celebration of World Chess Day 2025, Rupetta Academy has called on Nigerian schools to integrate chess into their curriculum, describing it as a vital tool for sharpening academic performance and developing essential life skills.
Speaking during the event in Abuja, Founder and CEO of the academy, Katmaan Senlong, emphasized the cognitive benefits of chess for young learners. “Chess develops critical thinking, focus, problem-solving and creativity, making children sharper and more confident learners,” he said.
In a bold and visually captivating move to highlight this year’s theme — “Every Move Counts”— the academy organized a one-of-a-kind chess match where pupils played inside a swimming pool using waterproof boards. The aquatic chess event was a first of its kind, fusing fun with intellectual challenge.
Held at the academy’s premises, the event showcased young members of the school’s chess club as they demonstrated strategy and focus, proving that the ancient game can be both innovative and immersive. The special waterproof chess sets allowed the children to engage in competitive play without limits.
Reinforcing the broader message of the celebration, Senlong remarked, “Chess is the game of geniuses. Today, our young geniuses have shown that every move counts — even when you’re in the swimming pool.”
The academy’s creative approach is part of a growing advocacy for education methods that go beyond textbooks, aiming to unlock the full potential of learners through unconventional but effective tools like chess.
