Sterling Bank, Pan-Atlantic University’s EDC Partner to Certify Non-Oil Export Academy Graduates

Sterling Bank, Pan-Atlantic University’s EDC Partner to Certify Non-Oil Export Academy Graduates

Sterling Bank Limited has formalised a strategic partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) to certify graduates of its newly launched Non-Oil Export Academy, an initiative aimed at boosting Nigeria’s non-oil export capacity and global competitiveness.

The agreement, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lagos, reinforces Sterling Bank’s commitment to supporting economic diversification by empowering Nigerian exporters with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in international markets.

The partnership follows the launch of the Sterling Bank Non-Oil Export Academy, which was preceded by a series of extensive training programmes across Lagos, Ondo and Kano States. The nationwide sessions culminated in a grand finale themed “Excel in Non-Oil Export”, where stakeholders outlined the transformative potential of non-oil products in repositioning Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Sterling Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Abubakar Suleiman, said the Bank is focused on building a strong pipeline of globally competitive exporters.

“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 see hundreds complete this programme and compete globally.”

Director of the Enterprise Development Centre, Dr. Nneka Okekearu, expressed optimism about the collaboration, noting EDC’s decades-long experience in strengthening entrepreneurial capacity.

“Having spent the last twenty-three years deepening the competencies of entrepreneurs, we understand what is needed and are excited to be part of this initiative,” she said, adding that the export sector has long been overlooked. According to her, with the right structures, standards and mindset, graduates of the academy will contribute to building a stronger Nigeria and more sustainable communities.

The Academy will run four cohorts annually starting in 2026, further reflecting Sterling Bank’s commitment to developing human capital that supports national growth and economic diversification.

With this partnership, Sterling Bank and Pan-Atlantic University’s EDC are laying a solid foundation for a new generation of globally competitive Nigerian exporters—professionals equipped not only with expert knowledge, but also with certification, networks and the operational readiness required to scale internationally.

The collaboration marks a significant step toward shaping a more resilient, inclusive and diversified Nigerian economy, positioning non-oil exports as a catalyst for national transformation.