The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has praised the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs Nonye Ayeni, for her leadership and commitment to youth empowerment, while seeking a partnership with the Council to train students in export development.
A NANS delegation led by its Secretary-General, Comrade Oladimeji Uthman Fodio, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the NEPC headquarters in Abuja.
The student body also commended the Council for its efforts in strengthening the non-oil export sector and creating opportunities for youths and women across the export value chain.
Speaking during the visit, Fodio said NANS was seeking collaboration with the NEPC on programmes aimed at equipping Nigerian students with export knowledge and skills.
In a statement issued by Aliu Seidu Sadiq, Deputy Director and Head of Corporate Communication at the NEPC in dicates that Fodio said, youths account for more than 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population and can play a significant role in driving economic growth if adequately trained in various aspects of the export value chain.
He said the association was willing to work with the Council to implement export-focused programmes for students and young Nigerians.
NANS proposed the training of students in the export of products and services, noting that such initiatives would equip graduates with practical skills for engaging in international trade after leaving school.
The association also called for the establishment of export hubs in tertiary institutions across the country’s six geo-political zones, with dedicated personnel to provide training and mentorship on export-related activities.
It said the initiative would expose students to relevant knowledge, expertise and opportunities within the sector.
In addition, NANS proposed a national summit titled “Students Export and Entrepreneurship Initiative – From Campus to Global Market,” with the theme, “Empowering Students for Non-Oil Export and Global Entrepreneurship.”
The proposed summit would focus on six pillars: training, identification, development, connection, exposure and skills acquisition.
Responding, Ayeni thanked the students for the visit and described Nigerian youths as vibrant, passionate and entrepreneurial. She said young people remain a critical component of Nigeria’s non-oil export ecosystem and assured NANS of the Council’s readiness to partner with the association.
The NEPC chief highlighted several initiatives targeted at youths, including the establishment of a dedicated unit for women, youth and persons living with disabilities. She also referenced the Council’s Export Skills Acquisition Centre (ESAC), established in partnership with LeLook Academy, which provides training in garment production and bag making.
According to Ayeni, the centre has trained more than 1,000 youths since its inception and has produced export-quality bags that have reached international markets.
She further disclosed that the NEPC organised 728 capacity-building programmes across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in 2025, benefiting more than 10,000 participants.
The visit culminated in the decoration of Ayeni as a National Ambassador of the National Association of Nigerian Students.
On the proposed national summit, the NEPC boss directed the Directors of State Offices Coordinating Department, Export Incentives and Development, and Trade Information to engage with the student body on plans to organise the programme.
