TheCable

EStars, a pioneering esports education provider, has announced a partnership with Chrisland Schools to integrate esports into education in Africa.

In a statement on Thursday, the firm 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.

Mags Byrne, founder and chief executive officer of EStars, said the response to the pilot phase of the project in the school was productive.

“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 said.

“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.”

She added that 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.

Ibironke Adeyemi, managing director/CEO, Chrisland Schools, 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.”

Speaking on the development, Joel Popoola, chair of the Institute of Directors Africa Group, who is leading EStars’ expansion across Africa, said the partnership will equip students with innovative skills.

“As a dad, I have often found myself telling my children to stop playing computer games and to focus on their homework,” Popoola said.

“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.

“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.”

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.