Merge your education with vocational skills – University professor who sells vegetables advises Nigerian youths

Professor Nasir Hassan-Wagini from the Biology Department at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU) in Katsina State has encouraged students and young people to engage in small businesses instead of waiting for white-collar jobs.

He shared this advice during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday, June 23, 2025, at a weekly market in Batsari, Katsina, where he sells vegetables.

Hassan-Wagini, who comes from a farming background, mentioned that he grew up as a farmer and started his own produce business at a young age. He noted that his story gained attention 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,” he said. 

“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 ashamed and too-big to go into such type of small businesses.

“What matters is what you are contributing to the society. So, stop staying at home doing nothing when you did not get job, start with small businesses like this one.

“Our youths should stop going to other places looking for job, they should get into farming and other small businesses to become self-reliant.

“Self-reliance is key to successful life. Try to merge your education with vocational skills for your own good,” he said.

One of his neighbours in the market, Uzairu, stated that they enjoy spending time with the professor. He described the professor as trustworthy, humble, and kind in his interactions with people

“We respect him and he respect us. In fact, he is a nice person who knows how to relate with all categories of people,” he said.