Nigerian students are in for a good time with the launch of EStars, an innovative educational esports platform, in the country.
EStars is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and the esports industry.
Launching with over 20 Nigerian schools signing an MoU, the arrival of EStars signals a significant step towards revolutionising education in Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch in Lagos on Tuesday, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, said: “The Esports ecosystem also offers a wide array of career opportunities, and we are happy to support Estars in partnering with Nigerian schools to give their students this exposure.”
According to the Deputy High Commissioner, esports is “professional, and is expected to contribute $1.8 billion to the UK GDP by 2025.”
He said that “the UK educational system is highly renowned around the world and our educational offer to Nigeria has always been well rounded and fully inclusive. Therefore, we are keen to support companies such as Estars with their niche Esports training offering into the Nigerian market.”
Africa Advisor to EStars and Chair of the UK Institute of Directors Africa focus group, Joel Popoola, said:
“I am acutely aware of the immense potential that lies in the burgeoning Esports industry and Nigeria, with its vast and vibrant youth population, stands at the threshold of this extraordinary opportunity.
“The Esports sector for entertainment is a billion-dollar industry that has the capacity to create up to one million jobs for Nigerian youth within the digital economy over the next three years.
“It is imperative that Nigeria seizes this moment, leveraging the educational and economic benefits of Esports to empower our young people and position our nation as a leader in this dynamic field.
“EStars is at the forefront of this movement, and I am proud to be part of an initiative that will drive growth, innovation, and opportunity for our youth.”
Founder of EStars, Mags Byrne, said: “EStars represents a new frontier in education, where the exciting world of Esports meets comprehensive learning and career preparation.
“Our mission is to empower young minds with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the Esports industry and beyond. We are excited to begin this journey in Nigeria and look forward to expanding our reach across the continent.”
A statement said that EStars was established by Byrne, a visionary who saw the potential of sports beyond entertainment.
According to it, by integrating Esports into school curricula, EStars seeks to make learning more engaging and relevant to students’ interests, thereby enhancing educational outcomes and preparing students for various sporting careers in the industry.
It said: “Founded with the belief that Esports can revolutionize education, EStars aims to be the leading educational Esports company on the African continent. Its core values include innovation, inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment. opportunities.
It said that the company was “uniquely positioned to contribute to the growth and diversification of the Nigerian economy. By offering comprehensive education on the Esports industry and its myriad career paths, EStars is creating new job opportunities and fostering a skilled workforce ready to excel in this dynamic field.
“The introduction of the EStars Certificate and the International BTEC in Nigerian schools is a testament to the platform’s commitment to quality education and vocational skills development.”
The statement said that “EStars is set to engage a new generation of students aged 7-14 years, sparking their interest in gaming and Esports.
“This initiative also presents an excellent Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) opportunity for companies looking to support educational advancement and workforce development through Esports.”
On the founder, the statement said: “Byrne’s dedication to transforming education through innovative means has been the driving force behind EStars’ establishment and growth.
“Her inspiration stemmed from the desire to harness the engaging power of Esports to educate and prepare students for future careers.”
