Professor Nasir Hassan-Wagini, a faculty member in the Biology Department at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina State, has urged Nigerian students and graduates to combine their formal education with vocational skills and small businesses. Speaking during an interview at a weekly market in Batsari, where he personally sells vegetables, Professor Hassan-Wagini emphasized the importance of self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
Drawing from his own background as a farmer and academic, he encouraged young people not to feel ashamed or “too big” to start small businesses, regardless of their qualifications. He stated, “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… 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 advised youths to stop searching for jobs elsewhere and instead focus on farming and entrepreneurship to achieve self-reliance, which he described as the key to a successful life. “Try to merge your education with vocational skills for your own good,” he added.
Professor Hassan-Wagini’s example has inspired respect and admiration in his community, with market neighbors describing him as trustworthy, humble, and approachable. His message highlights the value of combining academic qualifications with practical skills to create opportunities and contribute positively to society.
