First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has partnered with EStars to introduce esports education to Nigerian schools, aiming to equip students aged 7 to 14 with essential skills for thriving in a digital and technology-driven world.
Transforming Education Through Esports
Launched in Nigeria on July 16, the EStars educational esports platform provides a safe and structured environment where students learn critical skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving through gaming. These life skills, often underrepresented in traditional classrooms, are crucial for success in the modern world.
The platform integrates tournament management tools, team collaboration features, and educational resources into school curricula. It also includes coaching materials designed to nurture students’ esports abilities and guide them toward potential careers in the growing esports industry. Many schools are now adopting esports as formal extracurricular activities or incorporating gaming elements, like Minecraft, to teach STEM-related skills such as coding.
FCMB’s Commitment to Youth Development
Speaking on the initiative, Mrs. Yemisi Edun, Managing Director of FCMB, highlighted the bank’s dedication to fostering education and youth development:
“EStars has brought a fun and innovative way to advance students’ knowledge and life skills. This platform allows schools to harness the power of play to cultivate a love for learning.”
She added that the initiative aligns with FCMB’s broader vision of preparing young Nigerians for the age of AI and automation:
“We are not just preparing them for the future but empowering them to shape it.”
Empowering Future Generations Through Esports
EStars’ founder, Mags Byrne, emphasized the transformative potential of esports education:
“Our mission is to empower young minds with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the esports industry and beyond.”
During the platform’s launch event in July, Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner, noted the economic potential of esports:
“Esports is now fully professional and is expected to contribute significantly to the UK economy. We are happy to support EStars in partnering with Nigerian schools.”
Bridging Traditional Education and Digital Careers
This partnership seeks to bridge the gap between traditional education and the rapidly expanding esports industry. By fostering critical skills and providing exposure to emerging career opportunities, the collaboration offers Nigerian students a chance to thrive in the global digital economy.
