The 148 schools teams battle for medals kicked off on Thursday at the New Jos Township Stadium in Plateau State, with 1,300 athletes from 148 schools competing across 94 events in four age categories.
The championship is part of MTN’s initiative to promote youth development and grassroots sports nationwide.
The MTN Championship, now in its fourth edition, is a private-sector sports programme aimed at identifying and nurturing young athletic talents in Nigeria.
Since its inception in 2022, the initiative has grown to include over 1,500 schools and 20,000 athletes nationwide.
The programme also feeds top performers into the MTN Champs Athletics Academy, which has produced athletes representing Nigeria internationally, including in the men’s 4x400m relay event.
Previous legs of the 2026 championship were successfully held in Lagos and Calabar, with the grand finale scheduled for Ibadan after the Plateau leg concludes.
Addressing a press conference in Jos, MTN’s Chief Internal Audit and Forensic Services Officer, Ibe Etea, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to youth development. He said:
“We have had previous editions of the MTN Champs event here, and we are grateful for the opportunity to return.
We sincerely thank the government representatives and the good people of this great city for hosting us once again.”
Etea highlighted that prizes for schools include ₦2 million for first place, ₦1.5 million for second, ₦1 million for third, and ₦500,000 for fourth.
He noted that the MTN Champs programme has helped athletes achieve 14 medals in national competitions and progress to international events.
Yemi Galadima, Managing Editor of Making of Champions, stressed the significance of the 148 schools teams battle for medals:
“Here in Jos, we have about 1,300 athletes competing from 148 schools and teams. Over the next three days, we will see students in action across 94 events and four age categories.
MTN Champs provides athletes with a platform across different events, which has become important for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.”
Government officials also expressed support. Plateau State Commissioner for Sports, Musa Ashoms, pledged state backing, while Commissioner for Education, Kachollom Gang, emphasised that the initiative promotes academic excellence alongside sporting achievements.
Prof. Ezra Gunen, Director of the Plateau State Sports Council, urged athletes to balance sports with education for long-term success.
The 148 schools teams battle for medals demonstrates a structured pathway for talent identification and grassroots sports development in Nigeria.
By offering substantial rewards and competitive platforms, MTN Champs encourages schools to invest in athletics programmes, while fostering discipline and excellence among young athletes.
The championship also strengthens collaboration between private organisations, schools, and state governments in promoting sports as a vehicle for youth development.
