The BATN Foundation has awarded grants of N1.5 million each to four Graduate Agripreneurs from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), totaling N6 million. The awards were presented during the culmination of Phase III of the FUNAAB-BATN Foundation Graduate Agripreneurs Programme, held on May 23, 2024, at the College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD).

Program Overview

The Graduate Agripreneur Program aims to empower young minds by engaging post-graduate and undergraduate students in agriculture. This initiative provides access to grants, skills development, and mentorship, equipping participants with the knowledge and drive to succeed. The program seeks to drive innovation, sustainability, and food security in Nigeria by fostering a new generation of skilled and passionate agricultural leaders.

Selection Process and Winners

After a rigorous selection process, nine applicants with the most compelling documentation and business plans were shortlisted. Four outstanding Agripreneurs were ultimately awarded the grants:

– Miss Oluwafunmilayo Adegboyega – Broiler Production

– Mr. Oluwaseun Akosile – Broiler Production

– Mr. Johnson Fashina – Catfish Farming

– Mr. Oluwayomi Olajide – Catfish Farming

Other notable participants included Akeem Adeyemi, Moses Abayomi, Akinola Usman, and Bolaji Ololade.

Event Highlights

At the event, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) Prof. Kola Adebayo, representing Vice-Chancellor Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, praised the competitive nature of the selection process and highlighted BATN Foundation’s unwavering support. Prof. Kehinde emphasized the meticulous evaluation based on entrepreneurial skills, innovation, business relevance, financial projections, and presentation skills.

Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATN Foundation, outlined the criteria for evaluation, which included the Agripreneurs’ capacity, evidence of entrepreneurial skills, and the uniqueness and logic of their business plans. He expressed pride in supporting these promising Agripreneurs and highlighted their potential contribution 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 since receiving the grant.

Distinguished Panel of Judges

The panel of judges included distinguished university and BATN Foundation officials:

– Mr. Adewusi Agbotoba, representative of the Acting Registrar and the Council Affairs Officer

– Mrs. Comfort Dasaolu, representative of the Acting Bursar

– Prof. Emmanuel Fakoya, Dean, COLAMRUD

– Prof. Jonathan Atungwu, Dean, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT)

– Dr. Akeem Makinde, Deputy Dean, College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM)

– Prof. Petra Abdulsalam-Saghir, Head of Department, Agricultural Extension and Rural Development (AERD)

– Dr. Azeez Yusuf, Coordinator of the FUNAAB-BATN Foundation project

– Mrs. Folasade Giwa, Principal Assistant Registrar, DVCD’s Office

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the 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, the Foundation aims to create more opportunities for young agripreneurs across Nigeria, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and sustainable development.