National Conference Delegate Spotted Playing Scrabble Replies Critics

Remember the story of the delegate spotted playing scrabble at the going National Conference in Abuja. Read HERE. The delegate came under heavy criticism on social media after the story broke out. The delegate has now been identified as Professor Oyewale Tomori, a University administrator and academician, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ogun State. Read his response to his critics after the cut.

“Yes, indeed, I know the person, because I am the one. I have responded to some of the blogs on the matter. The truth is this activity was done during the lunch break between 2-4 pm. As soon as the Chairman calls the meeting to order, I switch off my computer.

Is there any rule against spending my free time as I like? Moreover, is there anything wrong, if others engage in reading newspapers and talking with others during their free time, and I prefer engaging in activities, I consider more useful to my development, such as using scrabble to improve my word power and discover new words?

Indeed, I often play against the best in the world, world champions, and I have been beaten many times. But in the process I learnt new words, their meanings and improve my written and spoken language.

Journalists live and sell their papers through the sensation route, which often is the opposite to telling the truth or providing full details. If the person who posted the picture had said the activity took place during the lunch break, that would have been no news; but to create sensation, he or she was economical with details.

I will certainly continue to play such other mind engaging games like Sudoku, Logic, etc, if only to make me a better thinker and presenter. Only thing, is I will do this at my own free time!

Thank you very much

Prof. Oyewale Tomori is a researcher and laboratory specialist who served from 1994-2004 as the Regional Virologist and Laboratory Coordinator in the World Health Organization (Africa Region) and is of wide ranging experience in virology, disease prevention and control, national capacity building and development in the African region.