The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in collaboration with the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has unveiled the 2025 recipients of the Graduate Agripreneurship Programme (GAP) Grant during a ceremony held at the university's Senate Building.

Six outstanding students were recognized for their exceptional commitment to various agricultural value chains. The awardees include Habeebullahi Tijani (cassava cultivation), Ajibade Patience (layers birds and egg production), Oke Michael (broiler production and value-added processing), Okunade Blessing (broiler production), Ogunmefun Felix (egg production), and Fadipe John (tomato farming).

Speaking at the event, BATN Foundation General Manager, Mr. Oludare Odusanya, commended the innovative spirit and resilience demonstrated by the young agripreneurs. He emphasized that the foundation's support goes beyond mere funding, stating, "We are investing in a future where agriculture becomes a vibrant space for youth innovation and economic transformation."

Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) Prof. Kola Adebayo, expressed gratitude for BATNF's continued investment in the university's students. He highlighted the institution's commitment to producing job creators rather than job seekers.

"We are proud of this collaboration, which continues to produce not just results, but role models. We aim to graduate creators of opportunity, not seekers of employment," Prof. Adebayo remarked.

The ceremony was attended by key academic leaders including Prof. Emmanuel Fakoya (Dean, COLAMRUD), Prof. Bolarinwa Senjobi (Dean, COLPLANT), Prof. Olusegun Oguntoke (Dean, COLERM), Prof. Abimbola Oso (Dean, COLANIM), and Prof. Kazeem Bello (Director, COBFAS), alongside other senior university staff and student stakeholders.

The GAP Grant initiative continues to demonstrate the potential of youth-led agribusiness in transforming Nigeria's food systems and economic landscape, providing a pathway for agricultural innovation and sustainable development among the country's youth population.