The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has reaffirmed the university’s commitment to sustainable waste conversion initiatives that can promote a cleaner, greener future.
Speaking at an event to mark the 2025 International Day of Zero Waste at university campus in Abeokuta, he disclosed that through consistent advocacy, research, and capacity-building, the university would continue to set the pace for environmentally- conscious innovation in Nigeria and beyond.
Represented by the Dean of College of Environmental Resources Management , Prof. Olusegun Oguntoke, the VC commended the presence of textile and manufacturing companies at the event.
He assured participants that the university was open to partnerships that would enhance the development and implementation of sustainable waste conversion technologies.
Speaking earlier, the Team Leader of Co-Producing Knowledge on Sustainable Growth Through Service-Learning Pedagogy between African and European Higher Educational Institutions (COPAFEU), Prof. Babatunde Bada, described the Union as an international research initiative funded by Erasmus.
He emphasised the significance of waste utilisation in achieving environmental sustainability noting that the project supports E-Science Learning (E-SL) and the integration of non-academic actors in countries such as Ethiopia, Tanzania, and South Africa.
Also , Chief Executive Officer of Natural Eco Capital and an alumnus of FUNAAB, Dr. Eugene Itua,while delivering his keynote address tagged “Circular Economy Principles for Sustainable Management of Fashion and Textile Waste.” explained that circular economy principles offer practical pathways for minimising waste and maximising resource utilisation within the fashion and textile value chain.
He recalled that the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared March 30 as the International Day of Zero Waste in December 2022 to encourage waste reduction and promote policies that support the shift towards a circular economy.
Director of Inspectorate and Compliance Monitoring at the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Mrs. Oluyemisi OsinaikeIn described the circular economy as a departure from the traditional “take-make-dispose” model.
According to her, the concept promotes the continual reuse of materials, thereby reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency.
While speaking on Metal Recycling for Sustainable Economic Development, Administrative Manager at Metal Manufacturing Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Oluwasegun Alabi, explained that that true economic development must be environmentally sustainable noting that economic growth provides jobs and improves living standards, he warned against the consequences of unchecked development, such as environmental degradation and resource depletion.
