Lagos, 15 September, 2021 – The Lagos State Esports Association (LSEA) has entered into a strategic and collaborative partnership with the Institute for Education, Research and Scholarships (IFERS). The collaboration originated from the need to bring exposure to the youth of Lagos state, equipping them with skills relevant in the esports and gaming ecosystem as well as in digital technology generally bringing to bear the fundamentals of STEAM.
The LSEA is a non-profit, full-fledged sports association established by the Lagos State Government under the auspices of the Lagos State Sports Commission with the goal of creating and sustaining a thriving esports and gaming ecosystem in Lagos State and Nigeria.
The Institute For Education, Research, and Scholarships (IFERS), established in 2004, is an award-winning California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity organization dedicated to improving society by conducting scientific and social research. The institute believes in changing the world for the better through education, research, and scholarships. Their ultimate goal is to create a better world with lasting peace, prosperity, and universal rights for all.
The partnership is coming timely, ahead of the formal commencement of the IFERS University of Esports in January 2022 and which affords the youth of Lagos and Nigeria the opportunity to be educated in a world class environment and taught by prominent and renowned computer scientist, educator and futurist, Prof. Newton Lee who is an author and administrator in the field of education and technology commercialization. He is also well-known for his ‘Total Information Awareness’ book series. Other esteemed leaders include Prof. Wallace Wang of the San Diego State University (SDSU) in San Diego, California and Dane Henderson, Program Director at San Diego State University’s Global Campus.
Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Sola Aiyepeku expressed his support for the initiative. ” I am very pleased by this agreement between LSEA and IFERS. It’s been only months since we inaugurated a new board and initiatives like this justify our belief and faith in Emmanuel and his team. This partnership opens up new opportunities to further deepen the ecosystem of esports in Lagos. We are all looking forward to all the exciting things that can happen with this partnership. E-sports is the nexus of sports, digital technology and creativity. This is why it is perfectly suited for young Lagosians and we want to provide them with the best opportunities to demonstrate their talent, hone their skills and contribute to an ecosystem that is directly plugged into the global economy. This is an exciting, groundbreaking partnership with phenomenal potential. We are looking forward to roll out of activities and how our young people and e-gamers will optimize the opportunity.”
Quoting IFERS founder and president, Dr. Newton Lee: “IFERS is pleased to collaborate with LSEA to bring esports education to students and teachers worldwide through the University of Esports.”
According to the chairman of the Lagos State Esports Association, Emmanuel Oyelakin, ”We are very delighted to partner with IFERS as we look ahead to a very exciting future for the youth of Lagos State. This partnership affords the LSEA the opportunity to further entrench a couple of its core values including Advocacy, Education, Community Engagement and Empowerment. We want to target 5000 young people from across Lagos State in the pilot phase after which we will expand further to engage thousands more.”
Other brands in the partnership include RediNation and Negus Coffee.
Initially, the partnership will revolve around esports education and digital skills acquisition. With time, the partnership will also include workshops and tournaments.