BATN Foundation launches 2025 graduate agripreneurship programme for young farmers

The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has officially opened applications for the 2025 edition of its Graduate Agripreneurship Programme (GAP), reinforcing its commitment to fostering agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship among young Nigerian graduates.

The application window runs from February 17 to March 3, 2025.

Through its Youth Empowerment & Entrepreneurship Programmes (YEEP), BATNF continues to play a pivotal role in transforming the agricultural landscape by equipping graduates with the resources, mentorship, and technical skills necessary to build thriving agribusinesses.

Since its inception, GAP has supported over 20 young agripreneurs with grants, training, and mentorship to develop sustainable agricultural enterprises.

Each selected participant receives a grant of N1.5 million, totaling N27 million ($18,000) for this year’s cohort.

Additionally, the programme provides access to land resources and expert mentorship, ensuring beneficiaries can navigate the challenges of agribusiness effectively.

One such success story is Oluwayomi Olajide of Yomi Joilers, a past beneficiary from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).

Reflecting on his journey, Olajide stated, “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 Programme. I am now a job creator, empowered to build a sustainable business and livelihood for myself and my family.”

Collaborating with leading universities, the 2025 GAP programme is being implemented in collaboration with three leading institutions – FUNAAB, the University of Ibadan (UI), and the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

These universities will provide application guidelines and facilitate participant selection, ensuring graduates receive the necessary academic and practical support to succeed.

Driving economic growth and food security beyond individual empowerment, the GAP initiative is a strategic intervention to address youth unemployment, food security, and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.

By equipping young graduates with agribusiness skills, the programme fosters job creation and strengthens the agricultural value chain.

The General Manager of BATN Foundation, Oludare Odusanya, emphasised the initiative’s broader impact, stating that the BATN Foundation believes agriculture is a powerful tool for economic empowerment and national development.

Odusanya, said the GAP is more than just a funding initiative, but a platform for young Nigerians to realise 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,” he said.

On the application process, Odusanya said eligible graduates can apply for GAP 2025 through the websites of the participating universities.

Odusanya said each institution will provide detailed guidelines on the application process, and interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline on March 3, 2025.