The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has awarded N28.5 million in seed grants to 18 young graduates from three Nigerian universities to support innovative agribusiness ventures under its 2025 Graduate Agripreneur Program.
Each recipient—selected from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), University of Ilorin, and University of Ibadan—received N1.5 million, alongside technical support and mentorship to launch and grow agricultural startups across value chains such as cassava farming, poultry, beekeeping, tomato cultivation, and meat processing.
At FUNAAB, winners like Habeebullahi Tijani, Ajibade Patience, and Oke Michael were honoured during a ceremony at the university’s Senate Building. Vice-Chancellor representative Prof. Kola Adebayo lauded BATNF’s role in fostering job creation through agriculture.
In Ilorin, six graduates emerged victorious after a rigorous pitch process, including Abdulahi Ayomide and Olorunmaiye Cynthia. Prof. Wahab Egbewole, Vice-Chancellor, praised the programme’s relevance to Nigeria’s economic needs.
At the University of Ibadan, the Faculty of Agriculture recognised projects such as Akintayo Akintunde’s beekeeping and Khadeejah Owolabi’s meat processing business, applauding their focus on sustainability and impact.
Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATNF, emphasized the programme’s long-term vision: “These young agripreneurs are transforming agriculture into a vibrant space for innovation. We’re investing in a future where Nigerian youth drive economic growth and food security.”
Since its inception, the programme has supported over 20 graduates, with alumni like Mary Jimba and Richard Balogun now running successful agribusinesses.
