Plastic waste on Nigerian campuses: French embassy launches €753,000 project

The French Embassy in a news conference in Abuja over the weekend disclosed that a plastic waste management project worth €753,000 will be executed in 13 Nigerian universities.

Mr Sebastien Bede, Science and Higher Education Attache, who made this known during the news conference, explained that the initiative is one that aims to reduce plastic waste on Nigerian campuses.

He added that the innovation is also a means to increase the number of people who can take charge of a plastic-free environment.

He puts it that “plastic waste is a pressing global issue and through this project, we aim to reduce the plastic footprint on Nigerian campuses.

“It will also inspire a new generation of environmental stewards who can champion the cause for a plastic-free world starting with their immediate communities.”

He stated that the project which is under the French Embassy Fund (FEF), will be funded with €753,000.

“I also see the opportunity that we organise a study tour in Nigerian universities, French universities, business schools, and engineering schools, to discuss cooperation,” Bede continued

“Whether it is for plastic recycling or any other areas of cooperation, we are willing to open the cooperation to more universities in Nigeria.”

He mentioned that the beneficiary universities include: Alex Ekwueme Federal University, University of Nigeria, Covenant University, Babcock University, Bayero University Kano, Nile University, and the University of Jos.

He also stated that there will be an extension of the initiative to Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology, the University of Calabar, the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and the University of Delta.

Additionally, he stated that a committee has been established. The committee includes representatives from the participating universities, the National Universities Commission, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, and the Ministry of Environment.

Bede also said that the initiative will extend to Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology, the University of Calabar, the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and the University of Delta.

He further revealed that in the next 18 months, the project will deliver two microplants co-designed by and for two universities, support research initiatives in innovative solutions for sustainable development, facilitate an exchange program between Nigerian and French researchers, address circular economy practices, enhance the qualitative value chain, promote gender inclusivity, and foster entrepreneurship to support the research projects.