The atmosphere was charged with excitement and intellectual energy as the Scrabble event of the 27th edition of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) kicked off live at the University of Jos. Among the 26 universities participating in this year’s competition, players, officials, and enthusiasts gathered to witness a cerebral contest that blended language mastery with strategic thinking.
In an exclusive interview with The Nigeria Education News, the President of the Scrabble Game Committee, Mr. Olabetoke Aka, offered an in-depth explanation of the structure, scoring system, and expectations for this year’s edition. He began by noting that the Scrabble event comprises three major categories Singles, Doubles, and Team Play. “In the Singles, players compete individually. In the Doubles, two teams face two other opponents. And in the Team Play, schools compete collectively, with results from individual performances contributing to the overall team standing,” he explained.
Mr. Aka emphasized that Scrabble, though an individual game by design, also thrives on institutional representation. “Each player here represents a school. The performance of individual players contributes to the school’s total points. The software we use for pairing ensures that members of the same school do not face each other during the rounds,” he clarified.
The Scrabble President went on to detail how the scoring system determines rankings. “We play in rounds. For instance, if you win the first game, that’s one point. Win the second game, that’s two. When you win the third, you have three. Each win adds to your cumulative,” he said. “If you beat your opponent by 10 points, that becomes your cumulative difference. The more games you win and the higher your cumulative score, the better your standing.”
He gave a practical example: “Let’s say you win your first match 230–220. You’ve won by 10 points. That gives you one point and plus 10 cumulative. If you win another by 30 points, your cumulative becomes plus 40. But if you lose the next game by 25, you retain your two points, but your cumulative drops to plus 15. So, both wins and margins of victory matter a lot.”
Mr. Aka likened the system to football standings. “It’s similar to how football tables work. Players are ranked first by the number of wins, then by cumulative difference. If two players have the same points, the one with the higher cumulative wins. So, if one has 677 and another has 676, the 677 player is ahead, even if both have equal wins,” he explained.
As the first rounds commenced, players were visibly focused, exchanging words and calculating moves with precision. “The early rounds are very crucial,” Mr. Aka said. “In the first game, if you win, you set the pace. The second win builds confidence, and by the third, if you win again, you are already a top contender.”
He expressed pride in the level of competition this year, noting that 26 schools were represented. “We have seen an impressive turnout. It’s heartwarming to see both returning and new players from various universities coming together to compete,” he remarked.
However, Mr. Aka also expressed disappointment over the University of Lagos (UNILAG)’s poor representation. “It’s unfortunate that UNILAG is poorly represented this year. Only two players came, which is far below the six required to compete for the overall team title,” he said with concern.
He added that the reduced participation might cost UNILAG their traditional dominance in the Scrabble event. “UNILAG has always been a powerhouse in Scrabble. Their absence in full strength this year might end their evergreen run at the top. With only two players, their chances of winning a team medal are very slim,” he noted.
Interestingly, two of UNILAG’s former players are now representing Nigeria at both African and World Scrabble Championships, a testament to the university’s historical excellence in the game. “It’s sad they couldn’t make it this year,” Mr. Aka said. “These are players who have grown through NUGA to international recognition. Their absence leaves a noticeable gap in this year’s contest.”
Asked about the competitiveness among other universities, Mr. Aka smiled. “This year, it’s wide open. Schools like Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), University of Benin (UNIBEN), and University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) are showing strong performances. The spirit is high, and everyone is determined to make a mark.”
He explained further that the ranking at the end of all rounds determines both individual and team champions. “We could have a player from one school topping the singles ranking, while another school emerges overall best when cumulative scores of their players are added up,” he said.
On the use of pairing software, the Scrabble President noted that technology has made the process transparent. “The software automatically pairs players based on their points and ensures that no two players from the same institution clash. It keeps the competition fair and professional,” he assured.
Throughout the interview, Mr. Aka’s passion for Scrabble was evident. He described the sport as one that sharpens intellect and enhances vocabulary while fostering sportsmanship and focus. “Scrabble is not just a game; it’s a mind sport that improves thinking and communication. That’s why it’s so important in academic settings like NUGA,” he said proudly.
As the first day’s rounds concluded, excitement remained high. Many players were seen calculating scores, analyzing cumulative margins, and preparing strategies for the next matches. The results from the early rounds showed close contests, with several players tied on points but separated by slim cumulative differences.
The Scrabble President concluded the conversation with optimism about the remaining days of play. “The beauty of Scrabble is that every round can change the table. One big win can turn things around. It’s still anyone’s game,” he stated.
As the 27th NUGA Games continue in full swing, the Scrabble event at the University of Jos stands out as one of the most intellectually engaging competitions. With 26 schools represented and several rounds yet to go, all eyes are now on which university will seize the opportunity left open by UNILAG’s absence and emerge the new champion of words.
