Firm launches Esports for learning, skills development

A firm Estars has introduced esport as a vehicle for learning and the development of skills in educational institutions.

The launch was held in partnership with Chrisland Schools, making it the foremost educational institution in Nigeria, the first where such is used as a vehicle for learning and the development of skills.

In a statement over the weekend, Marg Byrne, the founder and chief executive officer of EStars, said the partnership, which is the first of its kind in Africa, underscores a shared commitment between both organisations to revolutionise education in Africa through esports.

“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, “Byrne said.

Read also: FG, Oyo host finals of Basic Education sports competition in Ibadan

Ibironke Adeyemi, managing director, of Chrisland Schools, expressed excitement that the school is the first 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.”

Sharing his views, Joel Popoola, Chair of the Institute of Directors Africa Group, who is leading EStars’ expansion across Africa said, “By centering learning around gaming activities, Estars have stimulated a unique interest in children to engage technology in their learning”.

“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”.

Popoola further stated that 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.