From Campus To Global Market

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, has launched a new Students Training Entrepreneurship Export Programme, STEP-X, to convert the energy of Nigerian youths into export wealth.

The Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, unveiled the scheme  in Lagos, saying it is designed to equip students with entrepreneurship, export skills and certifications to compete in the global market.

Ayeni said the programme, themed “From Campus to Global Market: Empowering Nigerian Students for Non-oil Export and Global Entrepreneurship,” will be replicated across the six geo-political zones.

She said Nigerian youths, who constitute over 60 percent of the population, are not just the future but the drivers of tomorrow’s economy.

‎According to her, many students are developing businesses in agriculture, fashion, tech and creative industries, but lack knowledge of export procedures, documentation, quality standards and certification.

‎”Our goal is to make the journey from hostel room or campus workshop to the international market shorter, clearer and achievable,” Ayeni said.

More than 250 students from Lagos and Ogun states participated in the maiden edition, which drew the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, and representative of the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Damilare Orimoloye.

‎The National President of NANS, Comrade Babatunde Akinteye, described STEP-X as a laudable initiative that will move students from classrooms to global markets and pledged partnership with NEPC.

‎During the event, NANS proposed establishment of Export Hubs on campuses across the six zones and a National Summit on Student Export and Entrepreneurship.

Responding, Mrs Ayeni said NEPC has created a dedicated unit for women, youth and people living with disabilities and established an Export Skills Acquisition Centre with LeLook Academy, which has trained over 1,000 youths in garment and bag making for export.

In the release signed by Aliu Seidu Sadiq, Deputy Director, Head of Corporate Communications at  NEPC.

‎Mrs Ayeni also disclosed that in 2025, the Council organized 728 capacity building programmes across 36 states and the FCT, benefiting over 10,000 persons.

‎The visit climaxed with decoration of the NEPC boss as National Ambassador of NANS.