The Institute of Export Operations and Management (IEOM) has unveiled IEOM Academy, an innovative online learning platform designed to equip Nigerians with critical skills for the global export market.

Speaking to Pressmen, in Port Harcourt on Thursday, March 6, 2024 the Executive Secretary of IEOM, Ofon Udofia, emphasised the significance of the initiative, stating that export education is key to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.

“It is a pleasure to welcome you as we introduce the IEOM Academy and its flagship Student Export Development Program (SEDP), our mission is to provide accessible, high-quality training that empowers Nigerians to engage in international trade successfully”.

According to Udofia, the IEOM Academy is designed to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s non-oil export sector, which has seen remarkable growth from $2.5 billion in 2021 to approximately $5.5 billion today.

He regretted that, despite this progress, many young Nigerians lack the expertise to tap into export opportunities in agriculture, fashion, processed foods, technology, and the creative industries.

According to IEOM Executive Secretary, to bridge this gap, the Academy offers carefully curated courses that cater to both beginners and experienced exporters.

He stated that the courses include Export Documentation and Compliance, International Market Research, Global Supply Chain Management, Cross-Cultural Communication in Business, Trade Finance and Payment Methods

The Director of Training, Odibe Mercy, noted that the courses are open to everyone, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical applications to prepare participants for success in international trade.

Kristina Reports learnt that a key highlight of the initiative is the Student Export Development Program (SEDP) which aims to cultivate a new generation of Nigerian exporters.

The programme is structured around three core objectives: Capacity Building, Training students on export processes, compliance, and product packaging; Hands-On Experience: Offering mentorship, internships, and exposure to trade exhibitions; and Business Support: Connecting students with resources and networks to turn ideas into viable businesses.

Director of Entrepreneurship at Rivers State University, Eke Ejiofor, a partner in the initiative, praised it, noting that the training focuses on creating employment opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship among young people.

“This is an opportunity to equip students with practical skills beyond the classroom. If more students engage in export business, they will not have to search for jobs after graduation”.

Similarly, the Director of Communications at IEOM, Emmanuel Dorgbaa described the programme as a strategic move.

“Nigeria has always been an export-driven economy. We are going back to where we ought to have been, taking this knowledge to students is being very strategic.

On his part, Andrew Otike-Odibi highlighted that the initiative goes beyond training, offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and cost-saving benefits.

“There’s a lot that the initiative does, like networking, it cuts off the cost of mentorship program for intending exporters, it’s a clear path to entry into the foreign market”.

“The IEOM is calling on industry leaders, educators, and policymakers to support the academy in making export education a national priority. With the right training and mentorship, Nigerian youths can transform the export landscape, create jobs, and establish sustainable businesses.”

“This is more than a programme, it is a movement to empower young Nigerians to see themselves as global players,” Udofia emphasised.”

As the IEOM Academy officially take off, the message is clear: the world is waiting for what Nigerian entrepreneurs have to offer.