Six young graduates from the University of Ilorin have been awarded ₦1.5 million each by the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATN) for their groundbreaking agricultural innovations.
This recognition came through the 2025 edition of the Graduate Agripreneur Programme (GAP), a joint initiative between BATN Foundation and the University of Ilorin aimed at empowering young agripreneurs and driving innovation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The winners—Abdulahi Ayomide, Aliu Abdulbasit Olamilekan, Uthman Oladipo, Olorunmaiye Cynthia, Iliyas Elijah Danladi, and John Olumide Adeyemi—stood out after a tough selection process that evaluated their ideas based on creativity, sustainability, and potential for real-world impact.
The award ceremony, held at the university’s Faculty of Agriculture, had in attendance the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), who commended the initiative.
“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,” said Prof. Egbewole.
BATN Foundation’s General Manager, Mr. Oludare Odusanya, also expressed his admiration for the winners and the university.
“At BATN Foundation, we believe the future of Nigeria’s agriculture lies in the hands of young, visionary entrepreneurs,” he said. “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.”
Beyond the cash prize, the winners will also benefit from expert mentorship to help refine and scale their agribusiness ventures.
One of the awardees, Olorunmaiye Cynthia, shared her excitement and what the grant means to her journey.
“Being selected for the GAP grant is a life-changing opportunity,” she said. “This grant is more than just funding, it’s the fuel for a bigger dream to transform agriculture in Nigeria. I’m grateful to the BATN Foundation and the University of Ilorin for believing in me.”
This achievement marks another step forward in supporting youth-led solutions in agriculture and strengthening food security in Nigeria. With programmes like GAP, the country’s agribusiness future is clearly in capable and inspired hands.
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