….As 6 graduates win BATN Foundation Graduate Agripreneur awards
At BATN Foundation, we believe the future of Nigeria’s agriculture lies in the hands of young, visionary entrepreneurs, said Mr. Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of the BATN Foundation.
“The University of Ilorin has proven once again that it is a hub for innovation, passion, and transformative ideas. We are proud to support these brilliant minds and look forward to the incredible impact their projects will make.”
In a landmark collaboration aimed at reshaping the future of agribusiness in Nigeria, the University of Ilorin and BATN Foundation launched the 2025 edition of the Graduate Agripreneur Programme (GAP). This forward-thinking initiative is designed to empower promising graduates with the skills, mentorship, and funding necessary to actualize innovative agricultural solutions that contribute to food security and sustainable development.
From a pool of competitive entries, six outstanding students from the University of Ilorin were awarded ₦1,500,000 each to bring their groundbreaking projects to life. The winners are Abdulahi Ayomide, Aliu Abdulbasit Olamilekan, Uthman Oladipo, Olorunmaiye Cynthia, Iliyas Elijah Danladi, and John Olumide Adeyemi.
The pitch and grant award ceremony, held at the Faculty of Agriculture, was a momentous event graced by the university’s top leadership. Present at the event were the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN; Registrar, Mr. M.A. Alfanla; Bursar, Mr. Abiodun Lawal; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Professor A.A. Fawole; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Professor M.A.E. Etudaiye; and the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Oluyemisi Fawole. Their presence underscored the institution’s unwavering support for youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the event, the VC of Unilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, commended the initiative and celebrated the students’ accomplishments. “This partnership with the BATN Foundation is a reflection of our shared commitment to innovation, youth empowerment, and national development. We are proud of our students for distinguishing themselves, and we remain steadfast in our mission to produce not just academically excellent graduates but solution-driven leaders for tomorrow,” he remarked.
The selection process for the GAP grant was rigorous, emphasizing originality, sustainability, and real-world impact. In addition to funding, each awardee will benefit from tailored mentorship and ongoing support from agricultural and business experts, ensuring their ventures thrive beyond the pitch stage.
One of the recipients, Olorunmaiye Cynthia, shared her excitement: “Being selected for the GAP grant is a life-changing opportunity. I am grateful to the BATN Foundation for believing in my project and to the University of Ilorin for creating a platform that nurtures young minds. This grant is more than just funding—it’s the fuel for a bigger dream to transform agriculture in Nigeria.”
As BATN Foundation continues to deepen its impact through strategic partnerships with academic institutions, public sector actors, and industry stakeholders, the success of the GAP initiative at the University of Ilorin signals a hopeful future—one where bold, young innovator take the lead in building a more sustainable, food-secure Nigeria.