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LAGOS, Nigeria - A new center for video game development and esports training established by GamrLab has launched in Lagos State, aiming to train 5,000 individuals in its inaugural year and promote the growth of Nigeria's gaming industry.
The facility was inaugurated on Thursday in partnership with the French Embassy and the University of Lagos (UNILAG), with the intention of equipping young Nigerians with vital skills to succeed in the global gaming arena.
This initiative aspires to position Nigeria as a significant player in the multi-billion dollar digital entertainment industry by offering training for game developers, designers, and esports entrepreneurs.
The Chief Executive Officer of GamrLab, Eniola Edun, emphasized the urgent need for education and awareness to bolster the expansion of Nigeria's video game sector during the facility's unveiling.
She pointed out that misunderstandings about the industry, often mistaken for gambling, have stunted its progress, even among policymakers and industry leaders.
According to Edun, besides funding and infrastructure, a major obstacle lies in the lack of comprehension regarding the gaming sector's economic potential.
She stated that fostering the growth and longevity of the industry in Nigeria necessitates support from the federal government in terms of funding, education, and infrastructure, underscoring the importance of understanding the industry for the nation's economy.
She mentioned that globally, video gaming has created millionaires through competitive play and game development, yet in Nigeria, the industry is largely neglected.
Despite the backing from private and international investors toward enhancing the industry, local institutions and government entities have yet to provide comparable support despite several discussions.
The Regional Audiovisual Attaché of the French Embassy, Christophe Pecot, indicated that the choice to back GamrLab stemmed from a firm belief in its potential to influence the future of esports and game development in Nigeria.
He regarded the initiative as a crucial step in preparing students and aspiring professionals with the essential skills to thrive in the industry, thereby creating more opportunities for young creatives and fostering the long-term development of the gaming sector.
Concurrently, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Development Services at UNILAG, Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa, praised the initiative for closing the gap between technology, creativity, and business. Represented by the Acting Director of the Innovation and Technology Management Office, Olayinka Adewunmi, Atsenuwa noted that the hub would encourage collaboration among fields such as engineering, humanities, and social sciences, enabling students to evolve from being consumers of video games to creators.
She added that the university is willing to incorporate gaming into its curriculum and pursue partnerships with GamrLab to bolster digital skills development.
