U-Recycle Initiative Africa, a non-governmental organisation, has launched the second phase of its ‘PlasticWize’ project aimed at reducing plastic pollution in universities across Nigeria.
Initially introduced in 2022 with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the programme, themed ‘Redefining Sustainable Campuses,’ is designed to empower both student leaders and lecturers to make lasting environmental changes on their campuses.
According to Timilehin Abioye, the organisation’s director of communications, the first edition of the project reached more than 2,000 students across 100 universities.
Activities included innovation workshops, leadership training for young women, and the installation of “talking bins”, interactive waste bins that encourage recycling and proper waste disposal.
For this new phase, eight fellows have been selected from four Nigerian universities: Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Benin (UNIBEN), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), and University of Lagos (UNILAG).
These fellows will lead initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste on their respective campuses.
Abioye reaffirmed the NGO’s dedication to environmental education, promoting a circular economy, and supporting broader climate action across Africa.
Lecturers and students alike have praised the initiative.
Olaoluwa Ogunkunle, a lecturer from OAU, described the training as one of the best he has attended in recent times, stating that it could have a significant impact on the younger generation.
Adeyemo Fathiat, a student from LAUTECH, also commended the programme, noting that it exceeded her expectations and deepened her understanding of plastic pollution, a topic she finds especially relevant as a future health practitioner.
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