A new video game development and esports training center, GamrLab, has launched in Lagos with a goal to train 5,000 participants in its first year, aimed at accelerating the growth of Nigeria’s gaming industry.
Launched in partnership with the French Embassy and the University of Lagos, GamrLab is designed to provide young Nigerians and Africans with essential skills to succeed in the global gaming and esports sectors.
The initiative aspires to position Africa as a significant player in the multi-billion-dollar digital entertainment industry, offering training in game development, design, and esports entrepreneurship.
At the launch event, GamrLab CEO, Eniola Edun, highlighted the pressing need for education and awareness to fuel the growth of Nigeria’s video game industry.
She pointed out that misconceptions surrounding the gaming sector—often confused with gambling—have hindered its progress, even among policymakers and industry leaders.
Edun explained that, beyond funding and infrastructure, the major challenge is a lack of understanding of the gaming industry’s economic potential.
While global markets have seen gaming produce millionaires through both competitive play and game development, the Nigerian market remains largely untapped.
Despite support from private and international investors, Edun noted that local institutions and government bodies have not offered similar backing, even after numerous engagements.
Christophe Pecot, the French Embassy’s Regional Audiovisual Attaché, shared his belief in GamrLab’s potential to shape the future of Nigeria’s esports and video game development scene.
He emphasized that the initiative is a crucial step in equipping students and aspiring professionals with the skills needed to excel in the industry, thereby creating opportunities for young creatives and contributing to the long-term growth of the sector.
Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Development Services at the University of Lagos, commended GamrLab for bridging the gap between technology, creativity, and business.
Represented by Olayinka Adewunmi, Acting Director of the Innovation and Technology Management Office, Atsenuwa noted that the hub will encourage collaboration between diverse fields, such as engineering, humanities, and social sciences, enabling students to transition from being consumers to creators of video games.
She also expressed the university’s openness to integrating gaming into its curriculum and exploring collaborations with GamrLab to further develop digital skills.