In a groundbreaking move set to reshape digital education and youth empowerment in Nigeria, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited has announced a strategic partnership with EStars Education Africa Limited (EStars), a global leader in educational esports.
According to a statement by the bank, the alliance will drive the rollout of structured esports qualifications, including entry-level Certificates and BTEC courses tailored to prepare students for dynamic careers in the fast-growing esports and gaming industry.
These academic programmes, it said, are designed to bridge the gap between passion for gaming and employability, equipping young Nigerians with relevant digital, technical, and entrepreneurial skills essential for the future workforce.
Beyond the educational components, FirstBank and EStars are also exploring the development of a co-branded gaming credit card. This innovative product aims to provide gamers and esports enthusiasts with exclusive benefits, loyalty rewards, and gaming-focused features, elevating their overall banking and digital entertainment experience.
With a robust network of over 820 business locations and more than 39 million customer accounts, FirstBank is well-positioned to lead transformative initiatives across Africa. The partnership with EStars aligns with the bank’s ongoing commitment to innovation, youth development, and financial inclusion, especially in emerging sectors like esports.
“We are excited to collaborate with EStars in pioneering esports education for the youth,” said Chukwuma Ezirim, Group Executive, E-Business and Retail Products Division, FirstBank. “Esports presents a new frontier of creativity, innovation, and career opportunities. By investing in this space, we’re not only opening up new paths for young people but also contributing to the development of a vibrant African esports ecosystem.”
Mags Byrne, CEO of EStars, added: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with FirstBank, Nigeria’s oldest and most trusted financial institution. This collaboration helps us bring educational esports to every corner of Africa, providing accessible learning pathways for a new generation of digital professionals.”
Joel Popoola, EStars’ Africa Advisor, also emphasized the significance of the initiative: “This partnership marks a major milestone in integrating esports education into Nigeria’s broader digital development strategy. It’s not just about gaming—it’s about preparing youth for opportunities in tech, manufacturing, and beyond.”
This bold collaboration between FirstBank and EStars signals a major step in redefining education and digital inclusion for African youth. As the esports industry continues to boom globally, Nigeria now stands at the cusp of becoming a key player in developing world-class esports professionals—thanks to visionary partnerships like this.
