The Nigerian Correctional Service has participated in the International Chess for Freedom Competition for the first time, joining inmates from several countries in a programme designed to promote rehabilitation, education and intellectual development in correctional facilities.
The Punch reported that the sixth edition of the international competition featured participants from England, Romania, North Macedonia, Albania, Belgium and Latvia, alongside Nigeria.
The Nigerian contingent participated at the Bidemi Oladipupo IT Hub, located within the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri, Lagos.
The Lagos State Command of the NCoS announced the development in a statement issued on Thursday by its Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Corrections, Joseph Osho.
According to the service, Nigeria’s participation was made possible through a partnership between Anchor Heritage Initiative and Chess in School, with the collaboration aimed at expanding educational opportunities and encouraging strategic thinking among inmates.
The NCoS described its entry into the competition as an important step in correctional reform, highlighting the role of intellectual activities in developing inmates’ abilities and preparing them for eventual reintegration into society.
The service noted that chess could help participants cultivate patience, concentration, discipline and critical thinking while encouraging them to evaluate the possible consequences of their decisions.
“Chess is more than a game of moves and counter-moves. It encourages patience, concentration, discipline, critical thinking and the ability to anticipate consequences, qualities that are essential for personal growth and responsible decision-making,” the statement said.
The correctional service added that the game offered inmates an opportunity to strengthen their mental abilities, improve their confidence and build positive relationships with others, while encouraging them to look beyond their present circumstances.
“The walls may determine where a person can physically go, but the board creates a different kind of space a space where the mind can explore, strategy can flourish and possibilities can emerge,” the statement added.
The NCoS maintained that rehabilitation should extend beyond keeping inmates in lawful custody to providing opportunities for personal development, skills acquisition and positive transformation.
It also stressed the importance of working with credible organisations to strengthen correctional programmes and create meaningful learning experiences for people in custody.
According to the service, its participation in the international competition represents more than involvement in a sporting activity, reflecting its commitment to a correctional system that places emphasis on education, rehabilitation and the development of human potential.
The NCoS expressed hope that initiatives such as the chess competition would help equip inmates with valuable life skills and support their successful return to society after serving their sentences.
