By Suleiman Ramat, Kano
Bayero University Kano (BUK) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) to implement a new agricultural entrepreneurship programme designed to equip students with practical farming and business skills.
The Bureau Journal reports that the partnership also includes the donation of ₦28 million worth of agricultural inputs to support the implementation of the Skills Improvement to Boost Livelihood and Nurture Growth (SIBLING) Project.
Project to Train Student Entrepreneurs
The two-year pilot programme, officially launched on July 2, 2026, is expected to train 150 students in modern agriculture and entrepreneurship, with plans to expand the initiative to about 300 beneficiaries annually.
Organisers say the project is aimed at promoting practical learning, improving agricultural productivity and encouraging self-employment among graduates.
Vice-Chancellor Commends Partnership
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University Kano, Professor Haruna Musa, described the collaboration as a significant step toward bridging the gap between classroom education and practical enterprise.
He said the initiative would strengthen students’ entrepreneurial capacity while preparing them for opportunities within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
₦28 Million Agricultural Inputs Donated
Founder and Executive Director of WOFAN, Hajiya Dr. Salamatu Garba, said the organisation donated fertilisers, improved seeds, herbicides and crop protection chemicals valued at ₦28 million.
According to her, the inputs will support the cultivation of 50 hectares of maize and rice under a revolving agricultural input financing model.
She explained that the first batch of 50 students has already been allocated 25 hectares of farmland, while beneficiaries are expected to repay the value of the farm inputs after harvest to sustain the programme for future participants.
BUK Boosts Revolving Fund
Professor Haruna Musa also announced a donation of ₦1 million to the project’s revolving fund.
The contribution increases the programme’s cash seed fund to ₦11 million, providing additional financial support for the sustainability of the initiative.
Partnership Targets Food Security
The collaboration brings together Bayero University Kano, WOFAN, the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) and the Faculty of Agriculture.
Stakeholders described the initiative as a strategic investment in agricultural entrepreneurship, youth empowerment and food security, with the potential to create a new generation of agribusiness entrepreneurs.
As Nigeria News Today continues to monitor innovations in tertiary education and agriculture, The Bureau Journal understands that the SIBLING Project is expected to enhance practical learning while supporting national efforts to boost food production and youth employment.
The Bureau Journal will continue to provide updates on agricultural education, research partnerships and entrepreneurship initiatives across Nigeria.
Official Sources
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