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.
READ ALSO: Trailblazing Achievement: Tianna Shaw-Wakeman Becomes First Black Valedictorian at USC
SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, DAILY NIGERIAN
Stories You Shouldn't Have Missed:
- FUTA First-Class Graduate Surprised by Lagos Clinic’s Job Rejection Message
- Boy Shows Up as Navy Officer for Career Day in School, Drips with Cuteness
- NUC Approves New Courses For Nigerian Universities, See List
- Man Heartbroken After Sacrificing UNILAG Education to Sponsor Girlfriend Abroad
- Many Injured as School Buildings Collapse on Students in Yobe
- Students Outdo Themselves with Impressive Looks for Costume Day, Video Mesmerizes Netizens
- Ado-Ekiti Poly releases a new dress code for students, Bans colored hair, tattoos, face cap
Join Our 500,000+ Community:
Thank you so much for reading. We will appreciate it if you share this with your loved ones.