In what appears to be a bold move to bolster youth-led innovation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation has awarded grants to 18 outstanding graduates from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), the University of Ilorin, and the University of Ibadan as part of its 2025 Graduate Agripreneur Programme (GAP).
The initiative, which aims to drive food security, sustainability, and youth empowerment through agribusiness, saw the selection of visionary business spanning diverse agricultural value chains, from cassava cultivation and poultry production to silviculture, beekeeping, and tomato farming. Each recipient received ₦1.5 million in seed funding, mentorship, and technical support to launch and scale their agribusiness ventures.
At FUNAAB, the ceremony was held at the Green Chamber of the University Senate Building, celebrating winners like Habeebullahi Tijani (cassava), Ajibade Patience (poultry egg production), and Oke Michael (broilers and value addition), among others. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo, expressed appreciation for BATN Foundation’s consistent investment in building job creators through agriculture.
Similarly, at the University of Ilorin, six graduates: Abdulahi Ayomide (Sorghum cultivation), Aliu Abdulbasit Olamilekan (Sweet corm farming), Uthman Oladipo (Poultry farming), Olorunmaiye Cynthia (Broiler production), Iliyas Elijah Danladi (Broiler production), and John Olumide Adeyemi (Vegetable farming) emerged winners following a highly competitive pitch process. The event was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), and other top university officials who reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to fostering solution-oriented graduates.
The University of Ibadan’s edition of the ceremony, held at the Faculty of Agriculture, celebrated six innovative businesses including fish farming, livestock rearing, and a sustainable beekeeping initiative. Winners such as Akintayo Akintunde (Apiary farming) and Khadeejah Owolabi (Meat processing) were praised for their originality and sustainability-driven focus.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, Mr Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of the BATN Foundation, stated: “These young agripreneurs are a shining example of what’s possible when youth are given the right tools and support. At BATN Foundation, we are not just funding projects; we are investing in a future where agriculture becomes a vibrant space for youth innovation and economic transformation.
“The Graduate Agripreneur Programme exemplifies our commitment to nurturing talent, driving food security, and supporting Nigeria’s broader development goals. We believe these graduates will not only build thriving agribusinesses but will also inspire a new wave of agricultural revolution led by young Nigerians.”
Through its continued collaboration with academic institutions and other stakeholders, BATN Foundation is reinforcing its vision of a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural ecosystem. The 2025 GAP cohort serves as a testament to the boundless potential of Nigerian youth and the transformative power of strategic investment in human capital.
By Ajibola Adedoye