EStars, an educational Esports platform, has officially launched in Nigeria, marking a significant step towards revolutionising education in the country.
BusinessDay recently engaged Mags Byrne, the founder, and Africa advisor, Joel Popoola, to discuss the platform’s vision and mission in Nigeria and Africa.
With the global gaming industry projected to worth $249.6 billion in 2023, EStars recognises the immense potential of Esports in transforming education and preparing students for lucrative careers in this booming sector. This figure dwarfs the global music industry’s worth of $31.2 billion and the film industry’s value of $93.4 billion in 2022, highlighting the vast economic opportunities within the gaming world.
Byrne during the interview said EStars aims to harness this potential by integrating Esports into school curricula, offering students a unique and engaging way to learn essential skills such as teamwork, leadership, innovation, and time management. The platform provides qualifications in Esports, equipping students with the knowledge and expertise needed to thrive in this multi-billion dollar industry.
“We are not just teaching them to be gamers,” Mags Byrne said during the interview. “We are teaching them about business, jobs, and career prospects, using our qualifications as reference points for universities.” This approach ensures that students not only develop gaming skills but also acquire valuable transferable skills applicable to various other fields.
EStar’s commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. The platform is actively collaborating with stakeholders across different sectors, including government, education, and business, to establish Nigeria as a leading Esports hub in Africa.
Popoola said that while establishing its foundation in Lagos, EStars has been actively engaging with schools in Oyo, Ogun, and Kwara State, encompassing both public and private institutions. He emphasised that although Esports is currently viewed as an extracurricular activity, the ultimate objective is to integrate it into the official curriculum.
To achieve this, Popoola said that EStars is collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders, including journalists, government bodies, banks, and other key sectors in Nigeria. This collaborative effort aims to position Nigeria as a pioneering Esports hub for the entire African continent.
The proposed plan according to Popoola involves leveraging EStars’ influence in the UK to attract businesses and establish Nigeria as a vital link in the global Esports supply chain. Lagos State would serve as the central hub for these activities, facilitating training and development programs for aspiring Esports professionals.
As explained by Popoola, the training is structured in two stages: the first stage targets students aged 7-12, while the second stage, the BTEC qualification, is designed for students aged 12-15. Notably, the BTEC qualification offers a direct pathway to top universities worldwide, and EStars envisions it becoming an alternative route to tertiary education in Nigeria, distinct from the traditional UTME examination.
By fostering partnerships and creating a supportive ecosystem, EStars aims to drive the growth of the Esports industry in the country and provide numerous job opportunities for young people.
Popoola also said that the platform’s launch has already garnered significant interest, with over 20 Nigerian schools joining the initiative.
EStars’ vision for the future includes expanding its reach across Africa, starting with Nigeria. The platform plans to introduce Esports Clubs in schools, providing students with a structured pathway into the Esports ecosystem through the EStars Certificate and the International BTEC qualification.
“Esports is the future,” Byrne said, expressing her confidence in the transformative power of Esports in education and the broader economy. With its innovative approach and commitment to collaboration, EStars is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education and the Esports industry in Nigeria and Africa.
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