In 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.
The winning projects span diverse agricultural value chains, including cassava cultivation, poultry farming, beekeeping, tomato production, and meat processing.
At FUNAAB, the award ceremony took place at the Green Chamber of the University Senate Building, honouring winners such as Habeebullahi Tijani (cassava), Ajibade Patience (poultry egg production), and Oke Michael (broiler production and value addition).
Speaking, Prof Kola Adebayo, representing Vice-Chancellor Prof Babatunde Kehinde, praised the BATN Foundation for its commitment to nurturing job creators, stating, “This partnership empowers our students to become role models in agricultural innovation.”
The University of Ilorin celebrated six graduates, including Abdulahi Ayomide (sorghum cultivation), Uthman Oladipo (poultry farming), and Olorunmaiye Cynthia (broiler production), who emerged victorious after a competitive pitch process.
On his part, the Vice-Chancellor Prof Wahab Egbewole commended the programme for equipping graduates to tackle Nigeria’s economic challenges through agribusiness.
At the University of Ibadan, the Faculty of Agriculture hosted an event recognising ventures like Akintayo Akintunde’s sustainable beekeeping and Khadeejah Owolabi’s meat processing business. The university lauded the winners’ focus on sustainability and scalability.
Meanwhile, general manager of BATN Foundation, Oludare Odusanya, underscored the programme’s broader vision.
He said, these young agripreneurs are transforming agriculture into a vibrant space for innovation,” he said. “By providing funding, mentorship, and training, we’re investing in a future where Nigerian youth drive economic growth and food security.”
The initiative, now in its 2025 edition, has supported over 20 young agripreneurs since its inception, with past beneficiaries like Mary Jimba and Richard Balogun (University of Ibadan) building thriving poultry businesses, he said.
“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.
