Sterling Bank Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University to certify graduates of its Non-Oil Export Academy.
In a statement on Monday, the lender said that the partnership underscored its commitment to diversifying Nigeria’s economy by supporting non-oil export growth.
The PUNCH reports that this agreement followed the recent launch of the Sterling Bank Non-Oil Export Academy, designed to position Nigerian exporters for global competitiveness. The launch was preceded by a series of nationwide training programmes in Lagos, Ondo, and Kano states, culminating in a grand finale themed ‘Excel in Non-Oil Export’.
The initiative aims to equip exporters with practical tools to thrive in international markets, thereby reducing Nigeria’s reliance on oil revenues.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lagos, Sterling Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Abubakar Suleiman, affirmed that the Bank is intentional about creating an ecosystem where non-oil exporters are well-informed and equipped to advance national interests.
“We are not just training people to understand how to export; we want to train them to be competitive exporters of non-oil products,” Suleiman said. “Our goal is to build a community of knowledgeable, certified, and confident exporters who can collaborate to solve challenges beyond their immediate capacity. Our North Star is to reach a point where hundreds of people have completed this programme and are ready to compete on a global scale.”
Director of the Enterprise Development Centre, Dr Nneka Okekearu, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Having spent the last twenty-three years deepening the competencies of entrepreneurs, we thoroughly understand what is needed and are excited to be part of this initiative.”
Okekearu emphasised that the export market has been neglected for too long: “With the right structure, standards, and mindset in place, entrepreneurs passing through this programme will help create not only a better Nigeria but also more sustainable communities.” She said she was looking forward to the case studies that will emerge from the programme’s participants.
Beyond sectoral outcomes, Sterling Bank said the initiative reinforced its commitment to support the development of human capital that positively shapes and impacts the wider economy. The Academy will run four cohorts within the year, commencing in 2026.
