Teacher Pushed Me to Science, Derailed My Law Ambition — Chess Champion Onakoya

A Journey of Resilience and Advocacy

Nigerian chess champion and Guinness World Record holder, Tunde Onakoya, has shared a deeply personal reflection on how his early education shaped his life choices. His story is one of resilience, passion, and the power of second chances.

Onakoya, who is 31 years old, recounted how secondary school teachers in Nigeria discouraged him from pursuing his love for law and the arts. In a post shared on X.com, he revealed that despite excelling in debates and having a strong affinity for words, he was steered away from the Arts class by educators who believed it was only for “dullards,” while Science was reserved for the “brightest” students.

He expressed regret over how this mindset influenced his path. “One of my greatest regrets in life was letting the teachers in my secondary school convince us that Art class was for dullards and science class for the smartest students. I was excellent at debates, loved words and really wanted to be a lawyer but they wouldn’t let me,” he wrote.

This experience, he believes, has had a lasting impact on many Nigerian children who were similarly discouraged from following their true passions. “They made that choice for me before I understood what it meant. I’m pretty sure this was a moment that altered the trajectory of the lives of so many Nigerian kids,” he added.

From Chess to Global Advocacy

Despite these early challenges, Onakoya found his calling in chess. He learned the game at a barber’s shop in the slums of Ikorodu, Lagos, where he was born on October 6, 1994. His mother worked as a cleaner to pay for his education after the family could not afford school fees.

In September 2018, he founded Chess in Slums Africa, a volunteer-driven non-profit organization that empowers children in impoverished communities through chess education. The initiative has trained over 1,000 children across 11 African countries and secured lifelong scholarships for 20 students.

Onakoya’s dedication to education through chess led to a groundbreaking achievement. In April 2024, he broke the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon by playing for 64 hours in New York’s Times Square. This event was aimed at raising $1 million for children’s education across Africa.

The marathon drew widespread support from prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and music stars Davido and Adekunle Gold. Their involvement highlighted the growing recognition of Onakoya’s work and its potential to create lasting change.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Through his journey, Onakoya has become a global advocate for children’s education. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing young minds and encouraging them to pursue their passions, regardless of societal expectations.

His efforts have not gone unnoticed. Chess in Slums Africa continues to expand its reach, offering opportunities to children who might otherwise never have considered chess or higher education as viable paths. Onakoya’s message is clear: every child deserves the chance to explore their talents and build a brighter future.

As he continues to break barriers and inspire others, Tunde Onakoya remains a beacon of hope for countless young people across Africa and beyond. His journey from the slums to international recognition is a testament to the power of perseverance, education, and the transformative impact of chess.