The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is now home to the first Video Game Development Laboratory and talents hub in Nigeria; Gamr Lab.
Situated on the premises of the UNILAG Guest Houses, Akoka, the Gamr Lab is a state-of-the-art Video Games Development and E-sports training facility designed to groom and empower young Nigerians and Africans with digital skills needed to thrive in the global video gaming and e-sports industry.
Speaking at the formal opening of the facility on Thursday, March 20, 2025, the acting Director of the Innovation and Technology Management Office (ITMO), UNILAG, Dr. Olayinka Adewumi who represented the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), , Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa, described the project as a testament of the dynamic relationship which UNILAG has with; the French Embassy in Nigeria (Ambassade De France Au Nigeria), the National Sports Commission (NSC), American multinational technology company; HP and 3D computer graphics game engine; Unreal Engine.
She pointed out that “the new Gamr Lab adds to a list of technology and innovation hubs in UNILAG which are all targeted at building capacities and equipping young minds with digital tech skills, discovering and honing digital talents as well as grooming innovative ideas into real time solutions while fostering collaborations across all STEM (i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields”.
The Gamr Lab, according to Dr. Adewumi, will, among other benefits, facilitate the birth of a generation of video developers in Africa from the current crop of video game consumers.
In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer/Co-founder of Gamr; Eniola Edun said the choice of UNILAG as home to the lab was informed by the University’s strong technology driven faculty, prestige and track record of integrity.
She gave thumbs up to the UNILAG Management for the in-depth understanding and warm embrace of the vision and mission of the project, which further accentuates the place of reputable ivory towers such as UNILAG, in building a thriving video gaming industry in Nigeria.
The tech-preneur said the Gamr Lab will start off its training with 150 trainees, mostly UNILAG students, and hopes to successfully groom not less than 5,000 innovators in the arts and technology of Video Games/ E-sports Development with the next 12 months.
She said “the motive is to build games that are African made and globally played”.
In his remarks, representative of the French Embassy in Nigeria; Christopher Pecot (Attaché Audiovisual Regional) applauded the innovation behind the project and choice of UNILAG as its base, a feat, which he said, elicited the French Embassy’s interest and subsequent commitment towards its actualization.
The Gamr Lab, according to the Head of Programmes, Gamr Studio, Ayodeji Daniel, will serve as an innovation hub that will train game developers, designers, and e-sports entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools to transition into economically viable careers in the global digital creative economy thereby transforming video gaming and e-sports in Nigeria and Africa.
Guests who were largely industry players, aspiring game developers and e-sports enthusiasts, were treated to a guided tour of the facility, which boasts of high-end gaming PCs, VR stations, motion capture technology and a dedicated e-sports arena.
Trainees/participants of previous trainings conducted by the Lab also showcased some of their outputs to the audience.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
