EStars, an innovative educational esports platform, has joined forces with Ecobank Nigeria to revolutionize education through esports. This partnership aims to equip Nigerian students with essential life skills by integrating esports into the school curriculum across the country.
Ecobank’s commitment to youth empowerment through education and technology aligns perfectly with EStars’ mission. Together, they plan to build on EStars’ successes in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, bringing esports clubs and educational programs to Nigerian schools.
The EStars platform offers educational games that help students develop crucial soft skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership. Mags Byrne, CEO of EStars, emphasized that esports is more than just gaming; it’s a tool to acquire vital skills needed in today’s digital world.
“With Ecobank’s extensive reach and focus on youth development, we aim to provide every Nigerian student with the opportunity to gain these skills through our esports curriculum. This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of using esports as a transformative educational tool for Africa’s youth,” Byrne said.
Omoboye Odu, Head of SMEs, Partnerships, and Collaborations at Ecobank Nigeria, highlighted the bank’s dedication to creating pathways for African youths to thrive in the digital age. “Esports offers a unique and engaging approach to education. Through our collaboration with EStars, we are enhancing the accessibility and relevance of education for the next generation of African leaders. By equipping students with the skills they need for the future, we are contributing to Africa’s long-term economic and social development,” Odu stated.
As digital education evolves, esports has become a powerful tool for engaging students in innovative learning environments. The esports industry is booming, with a projected worth of $249.6 billion in 2023, surpassing both the global music and film industries.
EStars and Ecobank believe that esports can drive significant socio-economic growth in Nigeria and across the continent. This initiative will not only prepare youths to become key players in the esports industry but also create jobs and stimulate economic activity in areas like event management, broadcasting, game development, and content creation.
This partnership marks a significant step towards integrating esports into the educational framework in Nigeria, promising to transform how students learn and acquire skills. As the esports sector continues to expand, this collaboration could set a precedent for other educational initiatives across Africa. Through this innovative approach, EStars and Ecobank are paving the way for a brighter future for African students, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
