FirstBank Partners with EStars to Revolutionize Esports Education in Nigeria

FirstBank Partners with EStars to Revolutionize Esports Education in Nigeria

In a groundbreaking move to empower youth and drive digital innovation, FirstBank of Nigeria has announced a strategic partnership with EStars Education Africa Limited (EStars), a global leader in educational esports, to expand access to esports education and professional development across Africa.

Pioneering the Future of Esports Education

The collaboration marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s esports landscape, as FirstBank supports the rollout of EStars' globally recognized qualifications—including entry-level certificates and BTEC courses—targeted at equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the fast-growing esports industry.

Through this initiative, students will gain access to structured learning pathways in esports, helping them develop key digital, entrepreneurial, and technical competencies that are increasingly essential in the modern economy.

Innovative Financial Solutions for the Gaming Community

Beyond education, FirstBank and EStars are exploring the development of a co-branded gaming credit card. This financial innovation will offer gamers unique benefits and rewards, merging the worlds of finance and gaming in a customer-centric way.

A Shared Vision for Youth Empowerment and Economic Growth

Commenting on the partnership, Chukwuma Ezirim, Group Executive, E-Business and Retail Products Division at FirstBank, said:
"We are excited to collaborate with EStars in pioneering esports education for Nigerian youths. Esports represents a new frontier of creativity, innovation, and career potential. Through this partnership, we are opening up exciting career pathways while contributing to the development of Africa's esports ecosystem."

Mags Byrne, CEO of EStars, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration:
"We are thrilled to partner with FirstBank, Nigeria’s oldest and most respected financial institution. This partnership allows us to bring our educational esports programs to a wider African audience, fulfilling our mission to make esports education accessible to all."

Joel Popoola, EStars Africa Advisor, also highlighted the broader impact:
"This is about more than gaming. It’s about preparing Nigerian students for a digital economy—equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in technology, manufacturing, and other industries of the future."

FirstBank’s Legacy of Innovation

With over 820 business locations and more than 39 million customer accounts, FirstBank continues to lead the financial services sector in Africa. This latest initiative underscores the bank’s ongoing commitment to innovation, youth empowerment, and support for emerging industries.

As esports continues to gain traction globally, the FirstBank–EStars partnership is set to position Nigeria and Africa as key players in the educational and professional evolution of the esports industry.