The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has taken a significant leap into the gaming industry with the unveiling of Gamr Lab, Nigeria’s first Video Game Development Laboratory and Talents Hub. The state-of-the-art facility is set to revolutionize the gaming and e-sports ecosystem in Nigeria and across Africa by nurturing young digital innovators.
Located within the UNILAG Guest Houses, Akoka, the Gamr Lab offers an environment for immersive training in video game development and e-sports management. The facility is the result of a collaboration between UNILAG, the French Embassy in Nigeria (Ambassade De France Au Nigeria), the National Sports Commission (NSC), HP, and Unreal Engine — a leading 3D game engine.
Building Nigeria’s Gaming Future
During the launch on March 20, 2025, Dr. Olayinka Adewumi, Acting Director of the Innovation and Technology Management Office (ITMO) at UNILAG, represented the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa. She emphasized that the Gamr Lab marks a new era of capacity building in the university.
“This lab complements UNILAG’s existing tech and innovation hubs, driving digital skill acquisition and fostering creativity across all STEM fields,” she stated.
The Lab aims to train and empower young Africans with digital competencies that will enable them to transition from video game consumers to developers and innovators.
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A Vision for African Gaming Excellence
Eniola Edun, the CEO and co-founder of Gamr, expressed her excitement about the choice of UNILAG as the base for the Lab.
“UNILAG’s reputation for academic excellence and its forward-thinking approach made it the ideal partner. With this Lab, we aim to produce African-made games with global appeal.”
The facility will kickstart its operations with 150 trainees, most of whom are UNILAG students. The goal is to train over 5,000 innovators within the next 12 months.
Support from the French Embassy
Christopher Pecot, the Attaché Audiovisual Regional at the French Embassy in Nigeria, commended the initiative, reiterating the embassy’s commitment to the project.
“The Gamr Lab’s innovative approach to youth empowerment and its potential to contribute to Africa’s digital creative economy are commendable,” Pecot noted.
Comprehensive Training and Innovation
Under the leadership of Ayodeji Daniel, Head of Programs at Gamr Studio, the Lab will provide specialized training in areas such as:
• Game Development
• Design and Animation
• E-Sports Management
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Motion Capture
Participants will also have access to high-end gaming PCs, VR stations, and a dedicated e-sports arena for competitive gaming.
A Showcase of Talent
The launch event concluded with a tour of the facility, allowing attendees to witness the cutting-edge technology on display. Trainees from previous sessions also presented their gaming projects, offering a glimpse of the Lab’s transformative impact.
With the establishment of Gamr Lab, Nigeria is set to emerge as a hub for video game development and e-sports innovation, empowering the next generation of African gaming talent.
