BUK TO TRAIN 300 STUDENTS ANNUALLY IN AGRIBUSINESS & VALUE ADDITION
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has partnered with the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) and the Faculty of Agriculture to equip 300 students each year with skills in agribusiness, value addition, and production under the SIBLING Project.
The programme provides hands-on training on demonstration plots, exposes students to agricultural value chains, entrepreneurship, and sustainable agribusiness practices. Around 180 of the trainees are women, including wives of junior staff and community members, emphasizing youth and women empowerment.
The initiative also supports participants with land, subsidized inputs, guaranteed markets, and start-up assistance, including equipment and storage. WOFAN plans to introduce processing and packaging of produce, including a “CDA/WOFAN Rice” brand.
BUK officials say the project strengthens community engagement, town-and-gown relations, and inclusive development, preparing students to succeed in agriculture while boosting local economies.