Arizona State University, through its Endless Games and Learning Lab, has partnered with Nigerian studio Maliyo Games to expand game based learning and digital skills development across Africa. The initiative is part of a broader shift toward flexible, technology driven education models that move beyond traditional classrooms to more scalable and experiential learning systems.
Founding Director of the lab, Mark Olilla, said the collaboration aligns with the university’s evolving “five realms” approach to education, which includes classroom, online, immersive, and scalable learning pathways. The partnership focuses on what ASU describes as its most advanced model, delivering education at scale through interactive and project based methods such as gaming. According to Olilla, the goal is to meet learners where they are and support different learning styles through practical engagement.
Assistant Director Bola Akinrolabu noted that the programme will emphasise microcredentials and hands on project development, allowing participants to build real products while gaining globally recognised certifications. The model is structured around a “learn, build, earn” pathway, enabling participants to acquire skills, create digital products, and translate those skills into income opportunities, particularly within the growing gaming and creative industries.
The initiative is expected to target Nigeria’s youth population, with organisers highlighting the country’s strong creative potential and strategic position in the global digital economy. While infrastructure challenges such as power, connectivity, and access to hardware remain, the programme plans to deploy physical learning hubs and peer mentorship systems to support participants. Stakeholders say the partnership could significantly expand access to digital skills, with long term plans to scale to hundreds of thousands of learners across Africa and beyond.