The Bayelsa State Government has initiated plans to introduce scrabble and chess into secondary schools across the state, with the aim of fostering critical thinking and producing future champions. The move follows a directive from Governor Douye Diri, announced during the sixth Governor Diri National Scrabble Classics.
Officials Meet to Plan Implementation
Commissioner for Sports Development, Daniel Igali, led officials from his ministry to a meeting with the Ministry of Education to discuss the rollout. The meeting focused on developing a blueprint for the state's first Secondary Schools Scrabble Championship, with chess also considered as an additional intellectual sport.
At the meeting, Igali and the Commissioner for Education, Emelah Gentle, explored strategies to integrate scrabble into the school curriculum. The officials believe these games will enhance students' intellectual skills, including critical thinking and problem-solving.
Train-the-Trainer Model
The programme will adopt a train-the-trainer approach. Coaches from the Bayelsa State Sports Council will train selected teachers, who will then coach and mentor students in their respective schools. This model aims to ensure effective implementation and widespread participation.
Igali expressed confidence in the state's ability to produce champions in both scrabble and chess. He emphasized that the initiative is not just about playing games but about developing young talents who could represent Bayelsa and Nigeria at national and international competitions.
Official Statements
“Today’s meeting is about developing a clear blueprint for the seamless implementation of His Excellency’s directive. The collaboration establishes a comprehensive roadmap that guarantees the smooth execution of that mandate,” Igali said. “We believe that introducing scrabble in our schools will produce more national and international champions.”
Gentle welcomed the initiative and praised the Ministry of Sports Development for its swift action. She noted that Bayelsa has already built a strong reputation in Nigerian school sports, particularly through its performances in the Secondary School Basketball Championship.
“I commend the Ministry of Sports Development under the leadership of Honourable Igali for its swift response to the Governor’s mandate. Bayelsa has become a household name in Nigerian school sports, and this initiative will further strengthen our reputation for producing outstanding young talents,” Gentle said.
Impact and Next Steps
If the plan proceeds as proposed, secondary school students in Bayelsa will have the opportunity to develop their skills in scrabble and chess while competing for honours at the state level. The initiative is expected to improve students' cognitive abilities and provide a platform for talent discovery.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Simon-Peter Okene; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development, Pereyi Efeke; the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategic Communications, High Chief Abednego Don Evarada; the Director of Sports at the Bayelsa State Sports Council, Bibowei Lambert; the Head of Sports Department, George Mark; and the Assistant Director of Human Resources Management at the Ministry of Sports Development, Michael Alakere.
