Lagos, Nigeria – [March 20, 2025] – In a groundbreaking step toward transforming Nigeria into a gaming powerhouse, Gamr proudly announces the launch of Gamr Lab—Nigeria’s first full-spec video game development and esports lab
With Africa’s gaming industry projected to surpass 186 million gamers by 2025 and Nigeria leading as a fast-growing market, Gamr Lab equips young African creatives with world-class skills for careers in video game development, design, content creation, and esports management. As a cutting-edge learning and research hub, Gamr Lab combines instructional content, hands-on training, and interactive student engagement in video game design, esports broadcasting, and virtual production, preparing talent for the global gaming industry.
In partnership with French Embassy, Gamr Lab is located at the University of Lagos, behind the Senate Building, this state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for learning, innovation, and professional development. Gamr Lab provides a structured, hands-on training program focused on technical and business skills in the gaming industry. Students will have access to:
- Internships, mentorship, and guest lectures from leading gaming and esports professionals.
- High-performance gaming hardware & software to develop top-quality games.
- Certificate programs in Video Game Design & Development, Content Creation, and Esports Management.
- Workshops, hackathons, and incubation programs led by industry experts.
During the launch, Gamr Lab announced its first scholarship program, sponsored by the French Embassy, offering 30 students the opportunity to enroll in the first training cohort starting in April 2025. Registration opens on March 20.
The Gamr Lab initiative is backed by leading institutions and organizations committed to empowering Africa’s next generation of game developers and esports professionals, including:
- The French Embassy, which is sponsoring the first student cohort, reinforcing its commitment to technology education and talent development.
- Unreal Engine and HP, providing cutting-edge software and hardware solutions to support game development and esports training.
- The National Sports Commission (NSC), through its RHINSE initiative, supporting Gamr Lab’s mission to integrate esports into Nigeria’s broader sports and digital economy.
- The University of Lagos, offering academic support, faculty mentorship, and industry-driven curriculum to ensure students gain real-world, hands-on experience.
“Gaming is more than just entertainment—it’s an economic opportunity,” said Eniola Edun, CEO of Gamr. “With Africa’s gaming industry growing at an annual rate of 12%, Gamr Lab is set to become a catalyst for innovation and economic growth. This first-of-its-kind initiative will nurture local talent, create new career paths, and position Nigeria as a leader in game development and esports.“
Speaking on the partnership, Christophe Pecot, Representative of the French Embassy, highlighted the importance of investing in gaming education: “Gamr Lab represents a bold step in redefining the future workforce of Africa’s gaming industry. By equipping students with digital and creative skills, we are helping to build a sustainable and competitive ecosystem that will drive innovation across multiple sectors.”
Beyond gaming, Gamr Lab champions digital literacy, equipping students with essential tech skills to navigate the modern digital economy. By bridging the gap between gaming, technology, and education, it empowers the next generation to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Similarly, a representative from the National Sports Commission emphasized the potential of esports to unlock career opportunities:
“Through RHINSE, we aim to integrate esports into Nigeria’s mainstream sports and education system. Gamr Lab will not only upskill students but also set a foundation for inter-university competitions, global collaborations, and the professionalization of gaming in Nigeria.”
With over 200 million active gamers across Africa, Gamr Lab is designed to serve as a launchpad for gaming professionals, offering:
Game incubation programs to help students turn ideas into market-ready games.
- Weekly workshops on game design, storytelling, and UI/UX.
- Soft skills training on branding, pitching, and career development.
- Industry mentorship from leading game developers and esports professionals.
- Game incubation programs to help students turn ideas into market-ready games.
In addition, Gamr Lab will host quarterly game development cohorts throughout the year, kicking off in April 2025 with a focus on “Game Design and Development.” As part of the six-week curriculum, students will be challenged to design a real-life 2D or 3D game that creatively addresses real-world issues in Nigeria. The program will also include soft skills training, game development workshops, and networking sessions with industry experts.
Beyond technical training, Gamr Lab aims to create a lasting impact on Africa’s digital economy. With additional webinars, foundational classes, and specialized training modules, the initiative aligns with Gamr’s broader commitment to empowering over 1 million young Africans with game development skills by 2030.
For media inquiries, interviews, or to confirm attendance, please contact: www.gamr.world or follow us @gamrstudio
