The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has ignited a spark of innovation in the agricultural sector by awarding grants totaling N28.5 million to 18 promising young graduates. This initiative, known as the 2025 Graduate Agripreneur Programme, represents a strategic investment in the future of Nigerian agriculture, aiming to bolster food security, promote sustainable practices, and empower the next generation of agricultural leaders. The program’s core objective is to transform agriculture into a vibrant and attractive career path for young Nigerians, thereby contributing to economic growth and addressing the nation’s food security challenges.
The selected graduates, hailing from three prestigious Nigerian universities – the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), the University of Ilorin, and the University of Ibadan – underwent a rigorous selection process. Each awardee receives a seed fund of N1.5 million, a significant boost to kickstart their entrepreneurial journeys. Beyond financial support, the program provides crucial mentorship and technical guidance, equipping these budding agripreneurs with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of building and scaling sustainable businesses. This comprehensive approach ensures that the recipients are not only financially empowered but also equipped with the practical skills and industry insights to thrive in the competitive agricultural landscape.
The diversity of the winning projects reflects the breadth of opportunities within the agricultural sector. From cassava cultivation and poultry farming to beekeeping, tomato production, and meat processing, these ventures span various agricultural value chains. This diverse range underscores the program’s commitment to supporting innovation across the agricultural spectrum, encouraging young entrepreneurs to explore and develop solutions for a wide array of agricultural challenges. By fostering diverse agricultural ventures, the BATNF is contributing to a more resilient and adaptable agricultural sector.
At FUNAAB, the award ceremony was a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Held in the prestigious Green Chamber of the University Senate Building, the event recognized outstanding projects like Habeebullahi Tijani’s cassava venture, Ajibade Patience’s poultry egg production business, and Oke Michael’s broiler production and value addition initiative. Prof Kola Adebayo, representing Vice-Chancellor Prof Babatunde Kehinde, lauded the BATNF’s commitment to nurturing job creators and empowering students to become role models in agricultural innovation. This recognition from the university highlights the significance of the program in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship within academic institutions.
The University of Ilorin also witnessed the triumph of six exceptional graduates, including Abdulahi Ayomide (sorghum cultivation), Uthman Oladipo (poultry farming), and Olorunmaiye Cynthia (broiler production). These individuals emerged victorious after a competitive pitch process, demonstrating their entrepreneurial acumen and the potential of their agricultural ventures. Vice-Chancellor Prof Wahab Egbewole commended the program’s role in equipping graduates to address Nigeria’s economic challenges through agribusiness, emphasizing the crucial link between agricultural innovation and economic development.
The University of Ibadan, renowned for its Faculty of Agriculture, hosted an event to acknowledge the achievements of its graduates. Among the recognized ventures were Akintayo Akintunde’s sustainable beekeeping project and Khadeejah Owolabi’s meat processing business. The university praised the winners’ focus on sustainability and scalability, highlighting the importance of these factors in building long-term successful agricultural enterprises. By emphasizing sustainability, the program ensures that these ventures not only contribute to economic growth but also protect the environment for future generations.
Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of the BATNF, articulated the program’s broader vision. He highlighted the transformative potential of these young agripreneurs, portraying them as catalysts for innovation within the agricultural sector. By providing funding, mentorship, and training, the BATNF is investing in a future where Nigerian youth are the driving force behind economic growth and food security. The program’s success stories, including past beneficiaries like Mary Jimba and Richard Balogun from the University of Ibadan who have established thriving poultry businesses, serve as inspiring examples of the program’s impact. These success stories demonstrate the tangible outcomes of the program and inspire future generations of agripreneurs. The 2025 Graduate Agripreneur Programme signifies a crucial step towards transforming Nigerian agriculture into a dynamic and prosperous sector, driven by the ingenuity and passion of its young entrepreneurs.
