The Nigerian University Games Association, organizers of university sports events in Nigeria and Gamr Africa a technology company with specialty in Electronic Sports (eSports), Tournament Organization and eSports talent development have signed on to bring E-sports tournaments to Nigerian Universities.
The agreement symbolizes NUGA’s interest in pursuing eSports talent development and tournament organization in Universities across Nigeria.
E-sport is a growing industry across the world especially amongst young people who find the world of pads and electronic simulation more alluring than playing on the fields or courts.
NUGA embracing e-sport is a testament that the Nigerian university sport scene isn’t left behind as the world tilts towards competitive gaming. It is also a step towards inclusion as students who prefer playing football with a Play-station or Xbox can find self-actualization and recognition as student-athletes.
According to CEO of Gamr Africa Eniola Edun this deal symbolizes the importance placed on talent development, it serves as an opportunity to demonstrate to the younger generation, especially students, the many careers path in the Esports and gaming space.
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“Students can begin to learn and grow in various spaces afforded to them by Esports and gaming, from game developers to shout casters, to being a team administrator, to live streamers and so on, we are going to broaden the minds of the student and the younger generation.”
Gaming has moved beyond leisure play and entertainment according to Edun and Gamr is positioned to taking Nigerian students to achieve the best in the industry including scholarship partnerships with schools in Europe and America and also the opportunities to participate in global tournaments.
The NUGA President Professor Stephen Hamafyelto re-emphasized the need to keep Nigerian students positively engaged, especially online to avert cyber vices which is becoming more rampant amongst the youth.
“We are always committed to bringing the best out of our student sports wise, now that technology has become a big part of sports and E-sports a mainstay in our world today, it is only right that NUGA as an association embraces the times and creates opportunities for our students.”
Final year student of Economics at the University of Lagos Olawole Adetoye, emmerged champion of the inaugural NUGA Varsity Esports championship organised in Lagos in October
The two day event attracted over 400 registered players from the Lagos based University with 144 players taking part.
The NUGA-Gamr Esports Championship will kick off in April 2022.
