FirstBank has announced a strategic partnership with EStars Education Africa Limited, a global leader in educational esports, aimed at advancing esports education across the continent.
Through this collaboration, FirstBank will support the introduction of EStars’ structured esports qualifications, including entry-level certificates and BTEC courses. These programmes are designed to equip students with vital skills for success in the fast-growing global esports industry.
Beyond academics, both organisations are working on developing a co-branded gaming credit card. This product will offer customers exclusive rewards and features tailored to the gaming community, enhancing the overall digital and financial experience.
With a presence in over 820 business locations and more than 39 million customer accounts, FirstBank brings a strong foundation to this initiative. The partnership underscores the bank’s commitment to innovation, youth empowerment, and the promotion of emerging industries like esports.
Mags Byrne, CEO of EStars, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with FirstBank, Nigeria’s oldest and most respected bank, to introduce our educational products to their vast network. Our vision is to bring esports education to all corners of Africa, and partnerships like this are key to making it a reality.”
EStars’ Africa Advisor, Joel Popoola, described the move as a major step forward for digital learning in Nigeria. “This collaboration integrates education with the expanding esports industry, enabling young Nigerians to develop crucial digital, entrepreneurial, and technical skills for the future workforce. It’s not just about gaming—it’s about creating new career pathways in tech and beyond,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of FirstBank, Chukwuma Ezirim, Group Executive, e-Business and Retail Products Division, highlighted the bank’s enthusiasm: “We are excited to pioneer esports education in partnership with EStars. Esports represents a new horizon of creativity and opportunity for young people. By investing in this space, we are helping shape the future of our youth and building the foundation for a thriving African esports ecosystem.”
This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant step in reshaping education and career development for young Africans in the digital age.
