UNILAG Hosts Nigeria’s First Video Game Development Laboratory, Gamr Lab
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has launched Nigeria’s first video game development and e-sports training hub, Gamr Lab, located within the UNILAG Guest Houses, Akoka
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has become the first institution in Nigeria to host a state-of-the-art video game development and e-sports training hub, known as Gamr Lab. The groundbreaking facility, situated within the UNILAG Guest Houses, Akoka, aims to empower young Nigerians and Africans with cutting-edge digital skills essential for thriving in the global gaming industry.
The formal launch of the Gamr Lab took place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, with the acting Director of the Innovation and Technology Management Office (ITMO) at UNILAG, Dr. Olayinka Adewumi, representing the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa. Dr. Adewumi emphasized that the initiative demonstrates the dynamic collaboration between UNILAG, the French Embassy in Nigeria, the National Sports Commission (NSC), American tech giant HP, and Unreal Engine, a leading 3D computer graphics game engine.
According to Dr. Adewumi, the Gamr Lab adds to UNILAG’s existing innovation hubs, all of which are geared toward equipping young minds with technological skills, discovering and refining digital talents, and transforming innovative ideas into practical solutions. She highlighted that the facility would contribute to shifting Africa from being a consumer of video games to becoming a global hub for game developers.
The Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Gamr, Eniola Edun, expressed that UNILAG was chosen as the home for Gamr Lab due to its strong technology-focused faculty, academic excellence, and reputation for integrity. She lauded the university management for supporting the initiative, which she believes will significantly impact Nigeria’s gaming industry.
Edun revealed that the Lab would initially train 150 students, predominantly from UNILAG, and aims to produce at least 5,000 skilled innovators in video game development and e-sports over the next year. She stated, “The goal is to create African-made games that gain global recognition and players.”
Christopher Pecot, the Attaché Audiovisual Regional at the French Embassy in Nigeria, commended the project and its location at UNILAG, affirming the embassy’s commitment to supporting its success.
The Head of Programmes at Gamr Studio, Ayodeji Daniel, described the Gamr Lab as an innovation hub designed to train game developers, designers, and e-sports entrepreneurs. He emphasized that the initiative would provide the necessary tools for individuals to transition into lucrative careers in the global digital creative economy, thereby transforming the gaming and e-sports landscape in Nigeria and Africa.
Guests at the event, including industry experts, aspiring game developers, and e-sports enthusiasts, were given a tour of the facility. The Gamr Lab features high-performance gaming PCs, virtual reality (VR) stations, motion capture technology, and a dedicated e-sports arena, further reinforcing its position as a premier gaming development hub in Nigeria.
