The University of Ibadan (UI) proved its word-power at the 2025 NUGA Games on Monday, grabbing two gold medals in the scrabble event.
Leading the charge was Funmilayo Kelani, who outplayed Ekajeh Talent of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) to win gold in the female singles. Gowon Precious of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, settled for bronze.
Kelani later teamed up with Barakat Malik to deliver another gold for UI in the female doubles, leaving Talent and her teammate Ekajah Excel of UNIBEN with silver. Blessing Ola and Hauwa Abdullahi of the host University of Jos completed the podium with bronze.
UI also picked up a bronze medal in the male doubles through Kingsley Enyi and Benjamin Onuh, finishing behind the University of Uyo duo, Abasido Alfred and Prestige Archibong, who placed second, while Oboro Alfred and Oboro Alexious of UNIBEN took the gold.
In the male singles, Bassey and Archibong produced a 1-2 finish for the University of Uyo, with Rivers State University settling for bronze.
Altogether, 26 universities featured in the scrabble competition, which will also recognise the Best Board Award—given to the player with the highest number of wins, regardless of their team’s performance.
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