The Lagos State Scrabble and Monopoly Association (LASSMA) has launched its pilot project ‘Take Scrabble to Schools’ at Atunrase Senior High School in Surulere, Lagos.
The initiative aims to introduce secondary school students to the strategic game of Scrabble, enhancing their cognitive skills and academic performance.
The launch event saw prominent figures such as Engineer Dipo Akanbi, Chairman of LASSMA; Mr. Adewale Adelowo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Atunrase Senior High School; Alhaji Fatai Yussuf, the school’s principal; and top scrabble player Hakeem Olaribigbe.
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They collectively placed the first scrabble tile on the board, symbolizing the beginning of a new educational journey for the students.
Alhaji Fatai Yussuf, highlighted the educational benefits of Scrabble, noting, “Scrabble and Monopoly increase the brain capacity of the children and are key areas that improve the performance of learners. The enthusiasm is skyrocketing, and I hope this will take them to places.”
He emphasized the importance of involving parents to support the initiative, ensuring that the benefits extend beyond school hours.
“We intend to involve the parents. We spend very little time with the kids in school, so not much will be done without the parents’ support. Series of Parent Teachers forum meetings have been held to carry the parents along, so they will give their full support,” Yussuf added.
Students expressed their excitement about the introduction of Scrabble. Suliamon Victor, a student, shared his enthusiasm: “I was very happy and amused because it’s been a long time since I’ve played the game.
The introduction of Scrabble to the school is good. I found out that Scrabble is a word formation game. It helps us improve our vocabulary skills, calculating skills, and our minds.”
Victor continued, “I believe what others can achieve, I can do better. Seeing a Nigerian student become an African Champion twice also motivates me.
I advise my fellow students to participate in Scrabble because it will change their mindset towards certain things.”
Similarly, Shalom Elochukwu, another student, appreciated the mental challenges and learning opportunities Scrabble offers.
“It was interesting and fun to create words from another word. I was happy that I at least played a word. It’s not stressful; you just have to relax your brain and select your word.
It’s more fun than some games. It helps me calculate and learn new words, which will help me in school,” she explained.
Elochukwu stressed that with Scrabble, Atunrase Senior High School is adding value to their education. “It also helps me in sports because it can bring new opportunities, but it will require my hard work and consistency to the sport,” she added.
Adewale Adelowo explained that the initiative is part of grassroots sports development. “There is what is called grassroots sports development, and that is what we are doing. We are taking it from the source.
We graduated from this school and now have the opportunity to bring the sport back. That’s why we have the Association and the facilities and equipment needed to play Scrabble,” he said.
Engineer Dipo Akanbi emphasized the need for corporate backing to expand the initiative across all five educational divisions in Lagos State. He urged individuals, groups, and corporate bodies to support the project to reach more schools.
“I’m very grateful to the Almighty God for this landmark achievement and initiative. One of the major reasons why we haven’t brought Scrabble to other schools in the country is because of financial constraints.
But over time, I’ve realized that we can start small, building on small successes, get more people involved, and then go places.”
Akanbi noted, “Lagos State Government is supporting, but we need more support. That’s why we call on various corporate bodies to back the Lagos State Scrabble and Monopoly Association. In due time, all of this will unfold.”
He also urged other scrabble stakeholders to drive the project ‘Take Scrabble to Schools’ in their localities.
The ‘Take Scrabble to Schools’ project is a promising step towards enhancing educational outcomes through strategic games.
With continued support, LASSMA hopes to foster a new generation of students equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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