The French Embassy in Nigeria, through its French Embassy Fund Project, has awarded five tertiary institutions in Nigeria for their outstanding efforts in combating plastic pollution on campuses.

This initiative was unveiled during Environment Week in June 2024 and is part of the French government’s broader commitment to global environmental sustainability.

The Head of Cooperation and Cultural Affairs Department, at the French Embassy, Thierry Valentin, disclosed this in Abuja, while honoring outstanding contributions from participating institutions.

Awarded institutions included OAU, YabaTech, Alex Ekwueme Funai University, the University of Calabar, and the University of Delta.

He said: “Funding under this program is intended to support Young Nigerian researchers from the partnered Universities in order to develop innovative adaptive ideas for a healthier and safer environment, where Plastic Waste has less to no impact, especially in the educational environment.

“The French Embassy Fund is a program under the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs designed to help French representations abroad to carry out innovative actions on the ground that have a rapid impact and are highly visible for the benefit of local populations.”

Participant researchers were drawn from: Alex Ekwueme Funai University, Bayero University Kano, Nile University, Covenant University, Babcock University, UNIJOS, University of Obafemi Awolowo, University of Ibadan, UNILAG, Yaba Tech, University of Calabar, University of Nsukka and University of Delta.

In his remarks, the Acting Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr. Chris Maiyaki, expressed hope that this recognition will set a precedent for broader support, positioning Nigerian universities as leaders in future academic and societal challenges.

Maiyaki said: “There is this impression about the decline in the intellectual space affecting Nigerian universities and Nigerian graduates. But at moments like this, we have cause to be proud of our university brand because it’s a huge recognition of the tremendous work that our researchers have continued to render, sometimes under-reported.

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“This is a moment of joy. As a regulator of university education on behalf of the 274 universities, it’s a major recognition, it’s a game-changing opportunity to have the French government support research activities around the specifics of plastic waste disposal. It’s one matter, it could just easily be one singular contribution to resuscitating the research culture in our universities.”

Emphasizing the critical role of research in academia, he reiterated that universities must engage with pressing global issues to maintain relevance.

Also speaking, the Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies, University of Calabar, Professor Eyong Ubana Eyong, noted that Nigeria is facing a critical plastic pollution crisis that poses serious environmental and health risks.

He highlighted the critical plastic pollution crisis facing Nigeria. “Plastic waste is a challenge not only in our universities but globally, particularly in Nigeria. If you look around, you will find various forms of plastic everywhere.”

He underscored the urgency of the issue, stating, “Plastic that is not picked up remains visible for weeks, underscoring the menace we face. The French Embassy’s initiative to transform plastic waste is commendable, and we are proud that my university is leading a project titled ‘Converting Plastic to Fuel.”