Sterling Bank Limited has entered a strategic partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre, EDC of Pan-Atlantic University, PAU to certify graduates of its Non-Oil Export Academy, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to driving Nigeria’s economic diversification.
The collaboration follows the successful launch of the Sterling Bank Non-Oil Export Academy, a program designed to equip Nigerian exporters with the skills, knowledge, and global competitiveness required to thrive in international markets.
The initiative, which has already seen nationwide training sessions across Lagos, Ondo, and Kano states, culminated in a grand finale themed “Excel in Non-Oil Export.”
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lagos, Sterling Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, highlighted the Bank’s strategic focus on building a robust non-oil export ecosystem.
“We are not just training people to understand how to export; we are preparing them to become competitive exporters of non-oil products,” Suleiman said.
“Our goal is to create a community of knowledgeable, certified, and confident exporters capable of tackling challenges and competing globally. We envision hundreds of participants completing this program and making measurable contributions to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.”
Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director of the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), expressed excitement about the partnership. “Having spent the last twenty-three years strengthening entrepreneurial competencies, we understand what it takes to prepare exporters for success.
The non-oil sector has been overlooked for too long, and with the right structure, standards, and mindset, these entrepreneurs will not only contribute to a stronger economy but also foster sustainable communities,” she noted.
The Non-Oil Export Academy is set to run four cohorts annually, beginning in 2026. Participants will receive formal certification, gain access to practical tools and case studies, and join a growing network of exporters prepared to compete on the global stage.
Through this partnership, Sterling Bank and PAU’s EDC are laying the groundwork for a new generation of globally competitive Nigerian exporters, combining knowledge, certification, confidence, and strategic networks to unlock the nation’s full economic potential.
Leave a Reply