In recognition of the pivotal role that youths play in shaping the economic landscape and their potential to thrive as agripreneurs when given adequate support, the BATN Foundation is steadfast in pioneering initiatives for youth empowerment and agricultural innovation. At the core of these efforts is a strategic partnership with the University of Ilorin, initiated during a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor in February 2024, representing a significant leap towards nurturing young graduates into successful agripreneurs through the Graduate Agripreneur Project (GAP).
The Graduate Agripreneur Project aims to foster the development of agribusiness enterprises among postgraduates and undergraduates in agricultural faculties of tertiary institutions. This competitive program provides grants to at least four graduates annually, with the overarching goal of preparing future generations to address the challenges of feeding a growing population, nurturing unique young talents, promoting interest in sustainable agriculture, and fostering the establishment of agricultural enterprises among young graduates.
BATN Foundation has partnered with renowned institutions such as the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and the University of Ibadan, where the Graduate Agripreneur Program already made notable strides. A newly formed partnership with the University of Ilorin marks a significant milestone in extending the program’s reach and encouraging agricultural entrepreneurship. Open to graduates, masters, and PhD students from partnering institutions, the program offers a gateway for aspiring agripreneurs to realize their potential.
“We are thrilled to welcome the University of Ilorin into our ecosystem of Youth empowerment”, said Oludare Odusanya, General Manager, of BATN Foundation. Emphasizing the pivotal role of youth in national economic development, he added, “Empowering the youth to become successful agripreneurs is not merely an investment in their future; it is an investment in the future of our nation. By nurturing young talent, we contribute to the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector and, consequently, the economy as a whole.”
In response, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin Professor Wahab Egbewole, SAN, welcomed the BATN Foundation team to the University. The VC appreciated the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Oluyemisi Fawole, for sustaining conversations with the BATN Foundation which culminated in a partnership with the Foundation. He expressed great pleasure for the initiative which would benefit graduates of the university and assured BATN Foundation of the University Management’s support and commitment to the success of the Graduate Agripreneur Project.
While BATN Foundation continues to nurture and support youth agripreneurs in FUNAAB and the University of Ibadan, the addition of the University of Ilorin strengthens the program’s and broadens its impact.
The Foundation remains open to forging more partnerships and collaborations. For inquiries and partnership opportunities, please visit www.batnf.com or contact batn_foundation@bat.com
