Professor Nasir Hassan-Wagini of the Department of Biology, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina, who produces and sells vegetables, has advised students and youths to key into small businesses rather than wait for white-collar jobs.
Hassan-Wagini gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at a weekly market in Batsari, Katsina state, where he sells the produce.
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The professor said he was born to a farmer, grew up as a farmer and went into the business at an early stage of life.
He said his story became popular after he was promoted to the rank of a professor.
“My call to NCE, diploma and degree graduates is that they should feel free and start small businesses in their communities instead of staying idle.
“I am a professor of plant resources at UMYU; I want youths and students to look at me, know my rank and position and I still engage in small business of this nature.
“That may clear their minds because they feel shame and are too big to go into such small types of businesses.
“What matters is what you are contributing to the society. So, stop staying at home doing nothing when you did not get a job; start with small businesses like this one.
“Our youths should stop going to other places looking for jobs; they should get into farming and other small businesses to become self-reliant.
“Self-reliance is key to a successful life. Try to merge your education with vocational skills for your own good,” he advised.
One of his neighbours in the market, Malam Uzairu, said they enjoyed staying with the professor, describing him as trustworthy, humble and kind in his interaction with people.
“We respect him and he respects us. In fact, he is a nice person who knows how to relate to all categories of people,” Uzairu said.
NAN reports that the price of a 100kg bag of onions in the market costs N65,000 and above, depending on quality.
A 100kg bag of dried red pepper sells at N115,000 and above, 100kg bag of dried tomatoes, N60,000 and above, while 50kg bag of fresh hot pepper costs N100,000 and above.
NAN was told that in the next few months, farmers would start harvesting fresh tomatoes, red pepper, onions, among others.
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