The 2025 Winifred Awosika Foundation Scrabble Tournament for Schools concluded on Friday, crowning 10-year-old Adam Gbadebo of Akingbogboade Nursery and Primary School in Abeokuta, Ogun State, as its champion. Gbadebo showcased exceptional skill throughout the tournament, securing an undefeated record of five wins and a remarkable cumulative spread of +682. His victory signifies not only his personal dedication and talent but also the efficacy of the tournament’s mission to foster academic growth and strategic thinking among young students. Gbadebo’s triumph serves as an inspiring example of how early engagement with intellectually stimulating activities can cultivate exceptional abilities.
Trailing closely behind Gbadebo were two students from Chrisland Schools, showcasing the institution’s emphasis on academic excellence. Yukusi Esther from Chrisland School, FESTAC, claimed the second position with five wins and a spread of +258, while Ebube Maduegbuna of Chrisland School, VGC, secured third place with an identical win record and a spread of +99. The strong performance of these students underscores the importance of a nurturing learning environment in facilitating academic achievement and the development of cognitive skills. Their success alongside Gbadebo highlights the potential young learners possess when provided with opportunities to compete and excel.
Gbadebo’s journey to victory was fueled by unwavering support and dedicated preparation. He credited his father, who also served as his coach, for playing a crucial role in his success, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and parental involvement in a child’s development. Following a rigorous two-week training regimen leading up to the tournament, Gbadebo honed his skills and expanded his vocabulary, diligently learning at least 20 new words daily. This commitment to continuous learning, coupled with the guidance of his father, proved instrumental in his triumph, demonstrating the power of persistent effort and the invaluable role of a supportive network.
The Winifred Awosika Foundation Scrabble Tournament, established in 2011, has steadily gained prominence as a platform for promoting intellectual development among school children. The tournament’s founder envisioned a program that would enhance vocabulary, bolster mathematical aptitude, and hone logical reasoning, ultimately fostering creativity and out-of-the-box thinking in young minds. Through engaging competition and the inherent challenges posed by the game of Scrabble, the tournament effectively cultivates critical thinking abilities and equips students with valuable life skills applicable beyond the realm of academics.
The event garnered recognition and support from government officials, including Lagos State’s Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, who commended the organizers for their contribution to youth development. Ogunlende emphasized the significance of such initiatives in shaping the future of Nigeria, recognizing the tournament’s role in nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators. By investing in programs that cultivate intellectual growth and strategic thinking, the tournament contributes to the broader goal of building a brighter and more prosperous future for the nation.
The tournament not only recognized individual achievement but also acknowledged the collective performance of participating schools. The Lagos State Model Nursery and Primary School was awarded a cash prize of N100,000 for being the best performing public school, demonstrating the tournament’s commitment to fostering excellence within the public education system. The recognition of top-performing students, coupled with the acknowledgment of exceptional schools, creates a positive feedback loop, encouraging continued participation and promoting a healthy competitive environment that drives academic improvement. The success of Gbadebo and other participants underscores the transformative power of educational initiatives like the Winifred Awosika Foundation Scrabble Tournament, showcasing their potential to unlock the latent talents of young students and shape them into future leaders and innovators.
