The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), through its Youth Empowerment & Entrepreneurship Programme (YEEP), has launched a ₦27 million grant scheme to empower graduates in the agricultural sector.
The 2025 edition of the initiative tagged “Graduate Agripreneurship Programme (GAP)” aims to empower young Nigerian graduates to build sustainable agribusinesses, and is being conducted in partnership with three prestigious universities namely Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), University of Ibadan (UI), and University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).
BATNF disclosed this on Monday, February 17, noting that the deadline for the submission of applications is Monday, March 3, 2025.
“Applications for the 2025 GAP programme will be conducted through the websites of the participating universities, with each institution providing detailed application guidelines and links. Interested graduates are encouraged to seize this life-changing opportunity by submitting their applications before the deadline on March 3, 2025,” the Foundation stated.
BATNF said that the institutions on board are critical collaborators in ensuring the success of GAP, as they offer a platform for graduates to access the programme’s wealth of benefits.
“Over the years, GAP has solidified its position as one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for supporting the next generation of agribusiness leaders, equipping them with the resources, skills, and mentorship needed to thrive in the agricultural sector.
“Selected participants will receive ₦27 million ($18,000) in grants, alongside access to land resources, mentorship from industry experts, and comprehensive capacity-building training to develop their technical and entrepreneurial skills. The GAP programme is designed to address the challenges of youth unemployment, food security, and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria, equipping participants to create jobs and contribute meaningfully to the agricultural value chain.
“Since its inception, GAP has made a significant impact on the lives of its beneficiaries. To date, over 20 young agripreneurs have been empowered through the programme, receiving ₦1.5 million each to fund their projects. Beyond financial support, the beneficiaries have undergone specialized training that has enabled them to transform their ideas into thriving agribusinesses,” it stressed.
Oluwayomi Olajide of Yomi Joilers, one of the beneficiaries from FUNAAB said: “I see no reason to search for a job as a graduate. My focus is on growing my business, made possible through the grant and resources provided by the BATN Foundation under the Graduate Agripreneur Program. I am now a job creator, empowered to build a sustainable business and livelihood for myself and my family.”
The General Manager of BATN Foundation, Oludare Odusanya emphasised the importance of the programme, highlighting the organisation’s unwavering commitment to developing Nigeria’s agricultural potential.
Odusanya said: “At BATN Foundation, we believe that agriculture is a powerful tool for economic empowerment and national development. The Graduate Agripreneurship Programme is more than just a funding initiative; it’s a platform for young Nigerians to realize their potential, gain critical skills, and make a lasting impact on the agricultural sector. Our goal is to inspire and empower the next generation of agripreneurs who will drive growth and sustainability in this critical industry.”
The stories of past beneficiaries underscore the transformative impact of GAP. For instance, Mary Jimba, a beneficiary from FUNAAB, has grown her broiler production business into a sustainable enterprise, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy.
Similarly, Richard Balogun, from UI has successfully built a thriving poultry farming business, proving that agriculture holds immense potential for young entrepreneurs.
The BATN Foundation reiterated its commitment to its mission of promoting sustainable agriculture and youth empowerment in Nigeria, ensuring a brighter future for communities and the economy.
Registrations are to be done through the links below.
UI:
https://forms.gle/MHCf1nKh2ctxN7Ck7
UNILORIN: https://www.unilorin.edu.ng/events/batnf-graduate-agripreneur-program/
FUNAAB: https://funaab.edu.ng/
