The BATN Foundation has awarded a grant of 1.5 million Naira each to four Graduate Agripreneurs from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), totalling 6 million Naira. This event marked the culmination of Phase III of the FUNAAB-BATN Foundation Graduate Agripreneurs Programme, held on May 23, 2024, at the Lecture Theatre (Auditorium 1), College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD) Phase II Building.
The purpose of the Graduate Agripreneur Program is to empower promising young minds by engaging post-graduate and undergraduate students in agriculture. This initiative provides access to grant, skills development, and mentorship, equipping participants with the knowledge and drive to succeed. By fostering a new generation of skilled and passionate leaders, the program aims to drive innovation, sustainability, and food security in Nigeria.
Following a rigorous selection process, nine applicants with the most compelling documentation and business plans were shortlisted to present their ideas. Ultimately, four outstanding Agripreneurs were awarded the grants. The winners are Miss Oluwafunmilayo Adegboyega and Mr Oluwaseun Akosile for Broiler Production, Mr Johnson Fashina and Mr Oluwayomi Olajide for Catfish Farming. Other notable participants of Phase III included Akeem Adeyemi, Moses Abayomi, Akinola Usman, and Bolaji Ololade.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) Prof. Kola Adebayo, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, highlighted the competitive nature of the selection process. Prof. Kehinde praised BATN Foundation’s unwavering support, which has now expanded the programme’s beneficiaries to four. He emphasized the meticulous evaluation based on entrepreneurial skills, innovation, business relevance, financial projections, and presentation skills.
“The selection process was highly competitive, and the Committee’s decision was based on the outstanding presentations made by the participants,” noted Prof. Kehinde. “This programme underscores our commitment to fostering entrepreneurial skills among our students, preparing them for successful careers in agriculture.”
Oludare Odusanya, General Manager, BATN Foundation, outlined the criteria used for evaluation, which included the Agripreneurs’ capacity, evidence of entrepreneurial skills, and the uniqueness and logic of their business plans. “We are proud to support these promising Agripreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional potential and innovative thinking,” said Mr Odusanya. “Their success will undoubtedly contribute to the agricultural sector and the broader economy.”
Miss Aderanti Oni, a recipient of the Phase II grant for Broiler Production, shared her inspiring success story, attributing her passion for a healthy nation to her dedication to agriculture. She has completed three production cycles of 400 birds first cycle, 350 birds second and third cycle since receiving the grant.
The panel of judges included distinguished university and BATN Foundation officials, such as the representative of the Ag. Registrar and the Council Affairs Officer, Mr Adewusi Agbotoba, who remarked that, “The quality of submissions this year has been exceptional, reflecting the high calibre of talent and innovation among FUNAAB students.”
Other notable judges included the representative of the Ag. Bursar, Mrs. Comfort Dasaolu; Dean, College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD), Prof. Emmanuel Fakoya; Dean, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), Prof. Jonathan Atungwu; representative of the Dean, College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM) and the Deputy Dean, Dr. Akeem Makinde; and the Head of Department, Agricultural Extension and Rural Development (AERD), Prof. Petra Abdulsalam-Saghir. The Coordinator of FUNAAB-BATN Foundation project, Dr. Azeez Yusuf, and the Principal Assistant Registrar, of the DVCD’s Office, Mrs. Folasade Giwa, were also present.
Looking ahead, BATN Foundation remains committed to expanding its reach and impact through strategic partnerships and collaborations with educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and the government. By scaling up its initiatives, BATN Foundation aims to create more opportunities for young agripreneurs across Nigeria, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
