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Collaboration aims to empower students with digital skills and create new career pathways through esports education and financial innovation.
Driving Innovation in Esports and Education
FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial inclusion provider, has announced a strategic partnership with EStars Education Africa Limited, a global leader in educational esports, to roll out structured esports qualification programs in Nigeria. This groundbreaking collaboration positions FirstBank at the forefront of youth empowerment through education and innovation in the growing esports industry.
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The initiative includes the launch of entry-level certificates and BTEC-accredited esports courses, equipping Nigerian students with the skills required to thrive in the digital economy, esports, and technology-driven careers.
Pioneering Financial Solutions for the Gaming Community
As part of the partnership, FirstBank and EStars are exploring the creation of a co-branded gaming credit card tailored to the needs of gamers. The proposed card would offer a suite of exclusive benefits, reward programs, and gaming-centric features, enhancing the digital lifestyle of customers and offering financial products aligned with their interests.
A Vision for Youth Empowerment and the Future of Work
With a customer base of over 39 million and a network of more than 820 business locations, FirstBank is leveraging its extensive reach to invest in future-ready skills for Africa’s youth. The partnership reflects FirstBank’s commitment to empowering young Africans, promoting digital literacy, and developing innovative career pathways through education in emerging sectors like esports.
“We are excited to collaborate with EStars in pioneering esports education for the youths,” said Chukwuma Ezirim, Group Executive, E-Business and Retail Products Division at FirstBank.
Esports as a Gateway to Digital Careers
Mags Byrne, CEO of EStars, described the partnership as transformative:
“Our goal is to bring esports education to all of Africa. Partnering with FirstBank, Nigeria’s most established financial institution, accelerates that mission.”
Joel Popoola, EStars Africa Advisor, emphasized the importance of aligning esports with broader workforce development:
“This is about more than just gaming—it’s about developing digital, entrepreneurial, and technical skills for a generation entering the workforce of the future.”
Creating Impact Through Collaboration
This partnership between FirstBank and EStars signifies a major step forward in blending education, technology, and finance to prepare Nigeria’s youth for careers in esports and beyond. It reinforces the role of cross-sector collaboration in building a digitally inclusive and economically empowered future for Africa.
“Esports presents a new frontier of creativity, innovation, and career opportunities. By investing in esports education, we’re contributing to the growth of the African esports ecosystem,” added Ezirim.
