Nigerian professor Nasir Hassan-Wagini sells vegetables to survive harsh economic policies

Nasir Hassan-Wagini, a professor in the Biology Department at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina, who produces and sells vegetables, has advised students and youths to venture into small businesses rather than wait for white-collar jobs. Mr Hassan-Wagini gave the advice on Monday in an interview at a weekly market in Batsari, Katsina, where he sells the produce. The professor said he was born to a farmer, grew up as a farmer, and entered the produce business 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,” said Mr Hassan-Wagini. He added, “That may clear their minds because they feel shame and too big to go into such type of small 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.” The professor further stated, “Our youths should stop going to other places looking for jo. 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.” One of Mr Hassan-Wagini’s 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 with all categories of people,” Mr Uzairu said. The price of a 100kg bag of onions in the market costs N65,000 and above, depending on its quality. A 100kg bag of dried red pepper sells for N115,000 and above, a 100kg bag of dried tomatoes for N60,000 and above, and a 50kg bag of fresh hot pepper for N100,000 and above.
In the next few months, farmers are expected to start harvesting fresh tomatoes, red peppers, and onions, among others.  Security in the area has improved, allowing business activities to thrive.