Six Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) students were unveiled as the 2025 Graduate Agripreneurship Programme (GAP) grant recipients in a ceremony held at the green chamber of the university’s senate building.
The Graduate Agripreneurship Programme (GAP), grant is organised by FUNAAB in partnership with the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), to empower young agripreneurs to unleash their potential to transform Nigeria’s food systems and economic future.
Babatunde Kehinde, the vice-chancellor at FUNAAB, who was represented by Kola Adebayo, the deputy vice-chancellor in charge of development, commended BATNF for its continued investment in FUNAAB students, adding that the university was committed to producing job creators rather than job seekers.
He noted that the collaboration with BATNF has been fruitful over the years and continues to deliver impactful results.
“We are proud of this collaboration, which continues to produce not just results, but role models. We aim to graduate creators of opportunity, not seekers of employment,” he said.
Oludare Odusanya, the general manager of BATN Foundation, speaking at the event, praised the students’ innovative spirit and resilience.
“These young agripreneurs are a shining example of what’s possible when youth are given the right tools and support.
“At BATNF, we are not just funding projects; we are investing in a future where agriculture becomes a vibrant space for youth innovation and economic transformation,” Odusanya said.
This year’s winners demonstrated exceptional commitment to agriculture across diverse value chains. Among them is Habeebullahi Tijani, who excelled in cassava cultivation; Ajibade Patience, whose enterprise focused on layer birds and egg production; and Oke Michael, who not only engaged in broiler production but also ventured into value-added processing.
Others include Okunade Blessing, who also worked in broiler production. Ogunmefun Felix, who made his mark in egg production, and Fadipe John, who was recognised for his dedication to tomato farming.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of key academic leaders, including Emmanuel Fakoya, the dean at COLAMRUD; Bolarinwa Senjobi, the dean at COLPLANT; Olusegun Oguntoke, the dean at COLERM; Abimbola Oso, the dean at COLANIM; and Kazeem Bello, director at COBFAS, as well as other senior university staff and student stakeholders.
The GAP grant initiative continues to affirm the potential of youth-led agribusiness to transform Nigeria’s food systems and economic future
