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| L-R: Kola Oluyemi, Group Head, Sterling Academy; Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan Atlantic University (PAU); Abubakar Suleiman, MD/CEO, Sterling Bank; Dr. Nnenna Ugwu, Head, Alumni Engagement and Support Services, EDC at PAU; and Akporee Idenedo, Divisional Head, Commercial Banking, Sterling Bank at the recent MoU signing to certify graduates of Sterling Bank’s Non-Oil Export Academy. |
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, following the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lagos.
The collaboration reinforces Sterling Bank’s commitment to driving Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda by strengthening the capacity of non-oil exporters. It also follows the recent launch of the Sterling Bank Non-Oil Export Academy, an initiative designed to enhance the global competitiveness of Nigerian exporters.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director and CEO of Sterling Bank, emphasized the Bank’s commitment to creating a knowledge-driven export ecosystem.
“We are not just training people to understand how to export; we want to train them to be competitive exporters of non-oil products,” he 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 globally.”
The Director of EDC, Dr. Nneka Okekearu, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting the timeliness and relevance of the initiative.
“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,” she said.
She noted that the export sector has long been overlooked and stressed that with proper structure, standards, and mindset, the programme’s participants will contribute significantly to nation-building.
“Entrepreneurs passing through this programme will help create not only a better Nigeria, but more sustainable communities,” Dr. Okekearu added.
The Academy is expected to run four cohorts annually beginning in 2026, further cementing Sterling Bank’s ongoing commitment to human capital development and sustainable economic transformation.
Through this partnership, Sterling Bank and the Enterprise Development Centre are building a pipeline of globally competitive Nigerian exporters, equipped with certification, industry-ready skills, and the networks needed to scale internationally.
This collaboration marks a bold step toward strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export capacity and fostering a more resilient, inclusive, and diversified economy. The Non-Oil Export Academy stands as a catalyst for national economic transformation, empowering entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities to unlock Nigeria’s full potential on the global stage.