The BATN Foundation has deepened its investment in youth-led agribusiness with the expansion of its flagship Graduate Agripreneur Programme (GAP) to Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MoUAU). The move reinforces the Foundation’s mission to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders and strengthen agribusiness-driven development across Nigeria.
At an award and pitch ceremony held on campus, four graduates—Ibiam Chioma, Ugwu Chibuzor, Uwa Chukwuemeka, and Ngama Vivian—received agribusiness grants under the initiative. They join a growing network of GAP beneficiaries who are creating jobs, boosting food production, and showcasing the role of youth in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
This year alone, the Foundation has empowered 22 graduate agripreneurs across four agricultural universities, investing more than ₦33 million to support youth-led ventures. The funding provides young Nigerians with resources to launch and scale businesses across diverse agricultural value chains, positioning agribusiness as a key driver of economic resilience and rural development.
Since its launch, GAP has partnered with leading agricultural institutions including the University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin, and Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. With MoUAU now on board, the programme is building a stronger pipeline of agripreneurs equipped with capital, mentorship, and enterprise development skills to compete in Nigeria’s agricultural economy.
“Our commitment is not just to provide grants, but to create platforms where youths in agriculture can thrive, innovate, and lead transformation within the sector,” said Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of the BATN Foundation. He noted that with over 22 graduates empowered in 2025 alone, the Foundation is proud to be nurturing the next generation of agribusiness champions.
The award ceremony drew top officials of MoUAU, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Maduebibi Ofo Iwe, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Professor Nneoma Elechi Obasi, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, who joined the Foundation in celebrating the resilience and entrepreneurial drive of the awardees.
The four recipients emerged after a rigorous selection process assessing their potential for innovation, scalability, and sustainability in enterprise development. According to the Foundation, GAP is designed not only as a grant programme but as a launchpad for building businesses that will contribute to food security, reduce unemployment, and strengthen Nigeria’s MSME landscape.
As the initiative expands, the BATN Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to equipping young graduates with the tools to build sustainable livelihoods and drive inclusive growth, ensuring that agriculture continues to serve as a foundation for national prosperity.
