Emeka, 62, has spent the past six years in the Maiduguri Maximum Security Custodial Center. One day often blurs into another as he longs for freedom. But one morning in July 2024, he woke up expecting yet another day like any other – and instead embarked on an adventure that would change his perspective on his imprisonment.
He learned to play chess.
The Chess in Prisons programme is run by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Guinness World Record Holder Tunde Onakoya and his foundation Chess in Slums Africa. It uses chess to help prisoners improve their critical thinking, mutual respect and mental health, as well as to build relationships with correctional officers.
On day one of the programme, prisoners huddled together around chess boards, listening closely to instructors. While the programme was voluntary, uptake was high, with over 100 prisoners receiving training. Though many prisoners chose to attend simply as a change to their normal routine, some were surprised by what they found.
Speaking on that first day, Emeka was struck by how chess could be applied to his life experiences. “Chess made me alert. I learnt about the consequences of moving my chess pieces and could relate this to life. Whatever choices we make in life have consequences – this explains why I am at the custodial center today."
After learning how to play in July, training continued for six months. Prisoners continued to practice outside of training and formed a chess club, with over 200 prisoners enrolling. They went on to play a full tournament in December with the theme ‘Choose your character’.
Man playing chess
Chess players shaking hands
Emeka’s experience underlines why UNODC has pursued this unusual approach to prison reform. The initiative is not simply about teaching a game: it’s an innovative and creative way to support prisoners’ rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
“Chess holds transformative potential beyond its role as a recreational activity,” said Controller of Corrections Slyvester Nwakuche, speaking at the launch of the initiative. “It’s a game that cultivates critical thinking, concentration and decision-making skills and attributes that are fundamental to personal growth and rehabilitation.”
Studies suggest that chess can be a tool for cognitive rehabilitation, fostering skills like critical thinking and self-control. These are all valuable skills for those seeking to break free from cycles of conflict and crime.
Tunde Onakoya, Founder of Chess in Slums Africa, agrees. “We have seen firsthand how chess can transform lives in the most challenging environments. Bringing chess to custodial centres is a natural extension of our mission to use the game as a tool for social change. ”
Emeka was not the only prisoner struck by the impact of the programme. “We hardly see things like this in our environment and do not take your thoughtfulness and support for granted,” a man named Zito told a member of UNODC staff. “This changed my mentality. Chess will make us think better.”
The Chess in Prisons programme is only one of many penal reform-related initiatives on which UNODC and the Nigerian government are working together. It is part of wider work towards the implementation of the UN Minimum Standards for the Treatment of Prisoners – the Nelson Mandela Rules. These rules provide the blueprint for safe, effective and humane prison management in the 21st Century, and UNODC acts as their custodian, delivering technical assistance related to prison and penal reform in over 50 countries worldwide.
UNODC’s work is being noticed – not just by national authorities, but by prisoners themselves. “Here in the prison yard, we are always excited to see the Nelson Mandela logo and UNODC’s presence because they put a smile on our faces,” says Bassey, another prisoner.
“While freedom is priceless, I thank UNODC for thinking about people like us who are easily forgotten and giving us a second chance.”
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of prisoners.
Penal and prison reform
The way we treat prisoners is key in making our communities safer and protecting human rights for all. UNODC works with over 50 Member States worldwide to advance non-custodial measures, improve prison management and conditions, and support social reintegration. Find out more.
