From Lecture Hall to Business Pitch: How UDUS First-Class Graduate Win Unity Bank Challenge

Sometimes success begins quietly, in lecture classes, sleepless nights of study, and moments when passion meets preparation. For Ajibike Abdulbasit Abiodun, that journey started in the Faculty of Agriculture and led all the way to winning a Unity Bank Business Pitch Challenge during the National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) orientation camp.

Abdulbasit was a graduate of Agricultural Economics from the Faculty of Agriculture, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), where he finished with a First Class degree, a feat that shaped his curiosity about how resources can be efficiently managed.

In an interview, he explained how resources management grew his interest, noting that agriculture is not solely based on farming but also how resources can be managed.

“My interest grew from understanding how resources can be better managed, especially in agriculture. It’s not just about farming; it’s about how well you manage whatever resources you put into it,” he explained.

This interest was further strengthened when he attended Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture Programme, where he learned that agriculture goes beyond planting and harvesting,it is a business driven by planning, processing, and innovation.

While in NYSC camp, Abdulbasit partnered with a friend he had met during their university days. Both graduates of the same academic set, they shared a similar vision and background in agriculture, particularly in fish farming.

Together, they developed a business concept focused on helping farmers process fish into smooth, market-ready products, a service aimed at reducing waste and increasing farmers’ profit margins.

“I pitched the idea, believing strongly in its impact, and that belief paid off,” he said.

The idea of participating in the Unity Bank Business Challenge came unexpectedly. While in camp, Abdulbasit noticed fellow corps members celebrating after winning business pitch competitions. His curiosity grew stronger when a lecture was organized to explain how the competition worked. He was motivated and he immediately began preparing.

“I started working on my business plan immediately. I submitted and presented the PC5 section of my service book, focusing on how our business would help farmers process their fish efficiently.”

Preparing the pitch was not easy. Camp activities were tight and exhausting, leaving little room for rest, let alone business planning.

“Time was my biggest challenge. Camp life is very regimented. I barely had time to sit or rest. Most times, I worked on the idea late at night on my bed, trying to make it presentable.”

Despite the pressure, he stayed committed, refining the proposal and dedicating his time and energy to making it stand out.

When his name was announced among the winners, the feeling was overwhelming.

“I felt excited because I prepared for it. I dedicated my time, my energy, and a lot of effort. Winning felt like a reward for all that sacrifice.”

He said the prize “money” is not just a reward, but a stepping stone.

“I plan to use the money to start the business properly and bring the idea to life.”

Reflecting on the journey, he expressed deep appreciation to the institutions and individuals who shaped him.

“I sincerely appreciate Unity Bank for the support, NYSC for the opportunity, and my lecturers at Usmanu Danfodiyo University for teaching me the foundations of business planning.”

With academic excellence, innovation, and determination on his side, Abdulbasit’s story is a reminder that great ideas can emerge anywhere, even in the busy schedule of an NYSC camp.