Professor Nasir Hassan-Wagini of UMYU, Katsina, who sells vegetables at a local market, is encouraging Nigerian youths to embrace small businesses and farming as a path to self-reliance instead of waiting for white-collar jobs.
Prof. Nasir Hassan-Wagini, a lecturer and Head of the Biology Department at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina, has urged Nigerian youths to engage in small-scale businesses instead of waiting for formal employment.
Speaking during an interview at the Batsari weekly market, where he personally sells farm produce, the professor shared his journey. Born into a farming family, he said his early exposure to agriculture shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, which he still maintains alongside his academic career.
“I was born a farmer and grew up as one. Even now, as a professor, I’m still selling vegetables. I want graduates to understand that there’s no shame in starting small,” he said.
Prof. Hassan-Wagini encouraged NCE, Diploma, and Degree holders to take advantage of local opportunities and build sustainable businesses in their communities.
“Many feel too proud or embarrassed to do what I do, but it’s more honorable than staying idle. You can combine education with practical skills to become self-reliant,” he added.
He emphasized that rather than seeking jobs elsewhere, youths should focus on farming and entrepreneurship to create value and independence.
A fellow vendor at the market, Uzairu, described the professor as humble, honest, and respectful.
“He treats everyone with dignity. He’s respected here not just because he’s a professor, but because of how he lives among us.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that a 100kg bag of onions currently sells for ₦65,000 or more, dried red pepper for ₦115,000+, and dried tomatoes for ₦60,000+. A 50kg bag of fresh hot pepper goes for around ₦100,000.
With harvest season approaching and improved security in the region, market activity is expected to grow in the coming months.
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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, DAILY NIGERIAN
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