This is for all university graduates waiting for white-collar jobs. Take an idea from Prof. Nasir Hassan-Wagini of the Biology Department, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, and run.
Welcome to the weekly market in Batsari, Katsina State, where Prof. Hassan-Wagini seats proudly waiting for customers to buy his assorted vegetables.
The academic is advising students and youths to key into small businesses rather than wait for white-collar jobs as he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria at the market where he sells his produce.
The professor said he was born to a farmer, grew up farming, and ventured into the produce business early in life.
He said that his story became widely known 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 a small business of this nature.
That may clear their minds because they feel shame and too big to go into such types of small businesses.
READ ALSO: Katsina State gives farmers N8.2bn farm inputs
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.”
He urged youths to stop migrating in search of jobs and instead invest in farming and micro enterprises 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 added.
One of his neighbours in the market, Malam Uzairu, said they enjoy the professor’s presence at the market.
He described the professor as trustworthy, humble, and kind in his interactions with people.
“We respect him, and he respects us. In fact, he is a nice person who knows how to relate with all categories of people,” Uzairu said.
A 100 kg bag of onions in the market costs ₦65,000 and above depending on quality. A 100 kg bag of dried red pepper goes for ₦115,000+, dried tomatoes ₦60,000+, and 50 kg of fresh hot pepper around ₦100,000+.
NAN
