Last Updated on May 3, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olaoye Oyewole
The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), has awarded a total of N9 million to six outstanding graduate agripreneurs of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), each receiving N1.5 million to support their agribusiness ventures. The presentation was made today, April 28, 2026, during the Graduate Agripreneurship Pitch Programme, where shortlisted applicants showcased innovative agricultural business ideas.
Delivering the Welcome Address of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo, commended BATNF for its sustained collaboration with the University. He noted that the initiative had significantly enhanced agripreneurship development among graduates, adding that the programme’s continuity was a testament to the judicious utilisation of funds by previous beneficiaries.
The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that the University Management had recently committed N20 million towards supporting students engaged in practical farming on FUNAAB farms. He encouraged participants to be realistic, innovative, and bold in their pitch presentations, while emphasising the importance of utilising the grants strictly for agripreneurial purposes.
Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, represented by the Director of the Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS), Prof. Dare Akerele, expressed appreciation to BATNF for its unwavering commitment to youth empowerment. He highlighted the significance of the partnership in addressing unemployment and promoting agriculture as a key driver of economic development.
On his part, the General Manager of BATNF, Mr. Oludare Odusanya, encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity presented by the pitch platform. He explained that six out of the twelve shortlisted applicants were selected to receive the N1.5 million grants, noting that the quality of participation would determine the expansion of the programme in future editions.
The event culminated in the formal presentation of cheques to the six successful applicants, marking another milestone in FUNAAB’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable agricultural development among its graduates.
