The Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, has criticised the craze for foreign products and services by Nigerians.
Zuru told the News Agency of Nigeria( NAN)in Sokoto on Sunday:” Some Nigerians yearn for anything foreign,including services.
“It is quite unfortunate that we import many things including products we can produce locally.”
The Vice Chancellor who was commenting on the recession in the country added that, the only way out was for all Nigerians to ” look inwards.”
Zuru further said that, the recession is not peculiar to Nigeria.
It is a global phenomenon, he said.
“Recession will help in changing the obnoxious behaviour of Nigerians, downgrading our locally-produced materials.
“We cherish everything foreign, but, rather, we should learn to be patriotic enough and patronise Made-In-Nigeria products.
“We should also make efforts to boost our economy, as well as improve our products, for local consumption and exports.
“These products should be made world-class, so that we can grow our economy, reduce unemployment and poverty,” he added.
Zuru also called for more plausible measures to diversify the economy of the nation away from heavy dependence on oil.
The Vice Chancellor welcomed measures by President Muhamnadu Buhari, to diversify the economy.
He noted that, more programmes like the Anchor Borrower’s programme should be conceived and religiously implemented,at all levels.( NAN)