The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, University of Ibadan, Prof Ezekiel Olusola Ayoola has expressed the delight of the University over the success stories, the achievements recorded and the progress made by student beneficiaries of the University’s partnership with the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF).
He spoke on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, mni, FAS, while receiving a team on a courtesy visit from the Foundation.
He noted that students from both the Faculty of Agriculture and the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources have benefitted from the project.
The DVC thanked the BATNF for its dedication and commitment to the project.
He assured the team of the readiness of the University Management to provide necessary support in not only engaging the vast hectares of land at Ile Ogbo but more importantly in supporting the young graduates of the University to excel in their chosen Agri-preneur ventures.
The General Manager, BATNF, Mr. Oludare Odusanya was accompanied by the Dean of Renewable Natural Resources, Prof. Adejoke O. Akinyele and the Dean of Agriculture, Prof. A. B. Omojola on the visit. He also had his Project Manager, Mr Adetola Oniyelu on his team.
Mr. Odusanya shared the success stories of the Foundation’s collaboration with the University of Ibadan through the Faculties of Renewable Natural Resources and Agriculture on the Graduate Agri-preneur Project at Ile Ogbo.
He spoke extensively on what the Foundation did over the years, sharing a few success stories of the young UI Agripreneurs who made good use of the financial support received from the Foundation.
He recounted how the BATNF/UI relationship started in 2018 when the Foundation was approached on how the many hectares of land belonging to the University at Ile Ogbo could be put to use.
He explained that BAT Nigeria Foundation was interested in encouraging young Nigerian students to go into agriculture to alleviate hunger in the nation by introducing them to the business side of the agriculture value chain.
Mr. Odusanya stated that what started in UI then as a pilot project has been replicated in other institutions across the nation.
He informed the VC that the Foundation has recently approved an upscale of its budget to two billion naira for the next five years with an initial plan for 19 projects in 15 states of the federation out of which Oyo State would be having two projects.
He expressed his delight on the outstanding performance of all participating graduates from the University of Ibadan.
