EStars: Fostering educational development in Nigerian schools with esports

When it comes to demographic numbers, Nigeria towers higher than other black nations. About 70 per cent of the country’s population is under 30 and 42 per cent is under 15. Hence, the expanding numbers are having a significant impact on retail and household growth, making the West African nation a viable ecosystem that global businesses and innovators cannot ignore.

However, despite its beneficial demography, the youthful population in the country has been grappling with a handful of existential challenges, which in many instances have been limiting their potential.

But lately, an unusually strong appetite for Esports (electronic sports) and gaming content in the youth has triggered a structured future that can potentially turn Nigeria into a strong force in the global gaming market.

The reasons for this prospect are not far-fetched. First, the population of youth is growing in the country. Second, the interest in esports is surging and gaming is not only considered for leisure again. Third, the proliferation of smartphones, internet access and integration of digital payment methods within gaming platforms, and lastly, the upward recognition and feats of Nigerian gamers in the global esports arena.

In 2022, mobile gaming in Africa accounted for approximately 90 per cent of total game sales, generating $778.6 million in revenue. Nigeria led in annual gaming revenue, with $249 million, followed closely by South Africa with $236 million. Kenya, Ethiopia, and Ghana also demonstrated substantial revenue contributions, with $46 million, $42 million, and $34 million, respectively.

According to figures compiled by Dutch research firm Newzoo for African gaming start-up, Carry1st, there is going to be a buoyant market for gaming in Sub-Sahara Africa with the region expected to generate over $1 billion for the first time in 2024.

Clearly, Nigeria is going to have a moment in the coming years with Esports and the possibilities are limitless for both gamers and investors.

Taking up the gauntlet to catch them young in the evolving world of gaming by integrating esports into educational systems in Nigeria and Africa, award-winning educational esports company, Estars, recently announced its collaborative innovation with one of the distinguished secondary school institutions in Nigeria and Africa, Chrisland Schools, towards integrating Esports into education in Africa.

Esports, short for electronic sports, is a form of competition using video game competitions, with the form of organized multiplayer competitions, particularly between professional players, individually or as teams.

For EStars, esports in the educational curriculum is not just another game-centric scenery, rather, it is an engaging platform for students to imbibe and foster strategic thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, digital literacy, creativity and communication skills.

The partnership, which is aimed at revolutionising education in Africa through esports, is the first of its kind in Africa, and underscores a shared commitment between both organisations to raise the bars of learning in the continent.

In a statement, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of EStars, Mags Byrne, said: ““We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Chrisland Schools to activate the transformative potential of esports in education for students in Nigeria and Africa.

Byrne added: “We strongly believe that this collaboration will yield mutually beneficial and enduring results. The overwhelming response to the pilot scheme at Chrisland Schools reaffirmed our belief in the transformative potential of esports in the classroom.”

The partnership, sealed in August, has set the tone for schools across the continent and beyond to implement global best practices in education by introducing esports as a vehicle for learning and the development of skills.

On her part, Managing Director/CEO, Chrisland Schools, Mrs. Ibironke Adeyemi said, “We are excited to be the first school group in Africa to embark on this path of educational innovation alongside EStars.

“Our commitment to fostering a dynamic learning environment that resonates with our students’ interests and aspirations informed this partnership. We believe that the fusion of esports and education has the potential to unlock new realms of engagement and learning for our students.”

EStars is the leading esports education provider and is committed to harnessing the power of esports to unlock a unique learning experience for students. EStars encourages the development and cultivation of core skills such as teamwork, creativity, strategic thinking, and problem solving through esports.
‍
EStars offer a range of esports services to educational bodies, including after schools clubs, designing and building esports classrooms and delivering formal qualifications in esports. EStars are the only industry experts delivering the Pearson-accredited International BTEC in Esports  in the MENA region.

Sharing his views, Chair of the Institute of Directors Africa Group, Joel Popoola, who is leading EStars’ expansion across Africa said, “As a dad, I have often found myself telling my children to stop playing computer games and to focus on their homework. The truth, however, is that some of our children’s favourite games – including FIFA and Fortnite are embedded with genuine educational value in areas such as mathematics, the sciences and information technology. By centring learning around gaming activities, Estars have stimulated a unique interest in children to engage technology in their learning”.

Popoola further stated, “The partnership between EStars and Chrisland Schools not only promises to empower students with the requisite skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape but is also consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s resolve on the promise of his administration to create meaningful opportunities for our youth including one million new jobs in the digital economy.”

For learning institutions, parents and governments in Africa, this brave move by EStars is probably the much-anticipated game-changer to build communities and nations of vibrant youths and also make the continent become a huge force in the projected $6.7 billion esports industry.

Wale Elegbede is a Nigerian esports journalist/editor. He is based in the United Kingdom and can be reached via email [email protected].