Professor Nasir Hassan-Wagini of Biology Department, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, 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 advised on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria at a weekly market in Batsari, Katsina state, where he sells the produce.
The professor said he was born by a farmer, grew up as a farmer, and went into produce businesses at an early stage of life.
He said that his story became popular after he was promoted to the rank of professor.
“My call to the NCE, Diploma, and degree graduates is that they should feel free and start small businesses in their communities instead of staying idle.
“I’m 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 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 a job, 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 good,” he said.
One of his neighbours in the market, Malam Uzairu, said that they enjoy staying with the professor in the market.
He described the professor 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.
