EStars has partnered with Ecobank Nigeria to advance esports education and equip students across Nigeria with essential life skills. Ecobank Nigeria, a subsidiary of the Ecobank Group, aims to empower African youth through education and technology, making this partnership a significant step towards achieving that goal.
With successful implementations in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, EStars will integrate its esports club and educational qualifications into schools in Nigeria. This move aligns perfectly with EStars’ vision of using esports as a transformative educational tool for African youth.
Mags Byrne, CEO of EStars, highlighted the transformative potential of this collaboration, emphasizing that esports is more than just gaming but a gateway to acquiring essential life skills in today’s digital world. With Ecobank’s extensive reach and focus on youth development, the partnership aims to provide every Nigerian student with the opportunity to gain these skills through EStars’ esports curriculum.
Omoboye Odu, Head of SMEs, Partnerships, and Collaborations at Ecobank Nigeria, praised the initiative as a great fit with the bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals. She emphasized that the partnership supports Ecobank’s mission to create opportunities for young Africans to excel in the digital age.
The collaboration will introduce the Esports Club, a comprehensive educational initiative that will be rolled out in schools throughout Nigeria. This online platform offers educational games designed to develop crucial soft skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership. Developed by EStars’ team of industry experts and educators, the platform will leverage Ecobank’s extensive network to reach even the most remote areas of Nigeria and eventually other parts of Africa.
As digital education continues to evolve, esports has emerged as a powerful tool for engaging students in non-traditional learning environments. EStars is integrating esports into the curriculum to teach critical life skills like problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking in an interactive and enjoyable way. The programs, previously successful in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, will now address the growing educational needs of Nigerian students, offering insights into the esports industry and its career opportunities.
By equipping students with the skills they need for the future, EStars and Ecobank are contributing to Africa’s long-term economic and social development. This initiative aligns with the Nigerian government’s objectives of advancing digital literacy and preparing youth for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The expanding esports industry presents opportunities for Nigeria to become a key player in this field, with potential benefits including job creation and economic activity in areas like event management, broadcasting, game development, and content creation. Ecobank and EStars are dedicated to working with educational authorities, school administrators, and the wider community to ensure the success and sustainability of this initiative.
This partnership represents a new era in Nigerian education, where technology, gaming, and life skills converge to shape a brighter future for the nation’s youth.