Nigeria’s push to strengthen its non-oil economy has received a major boost as Sterling Bank Limited and the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University formalise a new partnership to certify graduates of the Sterling Bank Non-Oil Export Academy.
The agreement, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks a significant step in building a pipeline of export-ready entrepreneurs at a time when the country is seeking more sustainable sources of foreign exchange.
The partnership follows a nationwide training rollout in Lagos, Ondo, and Kano, culminating in a grand finale themed “Excel in Non-Oil Export.” The programme is built to equip exporters with hands-on tools to compete in international markets and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on oil revenues.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lagos, Sterling Bank’s MD/CEO, Abubakar Suleiman, said the bank is intentional about shaping a new class of globally competitive exporters. “We’re not just teaching people how to export; we want to develop competitive exporters of non-oil products,” he said. “Our vision is to build a knowledgeable, certified community of exporters capable of solving challenges and scaling globally.”
Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director of the EDC, expressed confidence in the collaboration, noting the centre’s two decades of experience in strengthening entrepreneurial capacity. She described the export sector as long neglected but full of potential with the right structures and standards.
The Academy will run four cohorts annually starting in 2026, reinforcing Sterling Bank’s broader commitment to human capital development and economic diversification.
Through this partnership, Sterling Bank and the EDC are shaping a new generation of Nigerian exporters armed with the skills, certification, and networks needed to thrive globally and contribute to a more resilient economy.