At a lively export education event hosted at the Rivers State University (RSU) Amphitheatre, students were told to rethink their “japa” plans and instead tap into Nigeria’s rich export potential.

The event—organised as part of the Students Export Empowerment programme—featured Ofon Udofia, Executive Director of the Institute of Export Operations and Management (IEOM), who told students that many Nigerians were chasing greener pastures abroad without realising that massive wealth could be made right from their communities through export.

Udofia, a key voice in Nigeria’s export advocacy space, introduced students to the Export Academy, a training and mentorship initiative that equips young people to join Nigeria’s new “export army.” He explained that even without capital, students could leverage their intelligence and digital skills to find international buyers, link them to Nigerian producers, and earn commissions—legally.

“Instead of yahoo-yahoo, why not use your smarts to build a future the EFCC won’t come after?” he said, adding that the same tactics used for online scams could be flipped for good in export marketing.

He argued that integrating Export Studies into Nigerian university curriculums could revolutionise youth employment, turning Entrepreneurship Centres into income-generating hubs.

Backing the idea, Dr Mercy Chinanu Odibe, IEOM’s Training Director, told students that export knowledge could make them global citizens. “You’re not just a student—you’re a potential international businessperson,” she said.

Also speaking, Prof Joy Eke-Ejiofor of RSU’s Entrepreneurship Development Centre confirmed that the scheme has already helped some students register export businesses since its 2024 launch.

The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), represented by Dr Mandu Inana, also showcased technology solutions for reducing post-harvest losses and improving product quality—key requirements for export success. These include solar dryers, fish smoking kilns, hermetic steel drums, and more.

The event saw strong endorsements from the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce (PHCCIMA) and private-sector stakeholders like Ambi-Dex Engineering’s Dr Chimbuo Victor, who told students they were Nigeria’s future billionaires—if they played their cards right.

Students who attended walked away inspired. Felix Barine from Ogoni said he’s now looking at the natural resources around him with new eyes, while Deborah Martin said: “This programme is gold. I’ve learnt that you can start making money even as a student.”