Sterling Bank Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University to formally certify graduates of its newly launched Non-Oil Export Academy.

The agreement marks another step in the bank’s drive to boost Nigeria’s non-oil export sector and reduce the nation’s dependence on crude oil earnings. It follows a series of nationwide training sessions held in Lagos, Ondo and Kano, which culminated in a grand finale themed “Excel in Non-Oil Export.”

The Non-Oil Export Academy was created to equip Nigerian exporters with the knowledge and tools required to compete effectively in global markets.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Lagos, Sterling Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Abubakar Suleiman, said the bank is committed to building a strong community of well-trained exporters capable of advancing national economic goals.

“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.”

Director of the Enterprise Development Centre, Dr. Nneka Okekearu, expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting that the export sector has been underdeveloped 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 more sustainable communities,” she said, adding that she looks forward to success stories and case studies emerging from the academy.

Beyond boosting export capacity, the initiative aligns with Sterling Bank’s commitment to human capital development and broader economic transformation. The academy is expected to run four cohorts annually starting in 2026.

With the new partnership, Sterling Bank and EDC aim to nurture a new generation of globally competitive Nigerian exporters—professionals armed with the competence, certification and networks needed to thrive internationally.