VC asks varsities to rethink plastic waste as resource
Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), Professor Lawrence Ezemonye
Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, yesterday, called on Nigerian universities to rethink plastic waste as a resource, using the principle of circular economy to create wealth.
Ezemonye made the call during a one-day workshop on advancing circular economy for a better environment in universities, organised by the university’s Centre for Climate Change and SDGs.
In his welcome address, Ezemonye said the university had developed a more efficient and sustainable waste management system with a focus on plastic recycling.
Ezemonye noted that the university, in partnership with Natural Eco Capital, has come up with an initiative to harness plastic waste material on campus for new product to create wealth.
He said the huge waste generated comes with large volumes of plastics resulting from its easy and cheap cost of manufacturing them.
“Plastic wastes are strong and difficult to break down by natural processes. Over 40 per cent of plastic waste comes as packaging materials that come in various forms.
“Plastic pollution have adverse consequences on land, waterways, air quality and oceans because of its non-biodegradable nature,” he said.
He explained that the sustainable management of solid waste revolves on reduce, reuse and recycle, adding that, recycling was the most efficient way to manage plastic waste.
“The university in trying to find lasting solution to the crisis of plastic waste management and has established a plastic aggregation site in the campus.”
“The vision and mission of IUO clearly aligns with the call for climate action and achievement of SDGs through circular economy principles and entrepreneurship.
“This is why IUO infuses climate action and SDGs in its core curriculum as drivers to stimulate our graduates to be future ready for sustainable development,” he added
According to him, there is urgent need to transit from linear economy to more sustainable circular economy.
He added that it was expedient that universities join IUO in its drive to reposition university education in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the guest speaker, Dr. Andrew Amenaghawon, said education is key to changing the mindset of future generations.
Amenaghawon said: “ The global population is increasing, resources are finite. The linear economy is not sustainable, a circular economy is advocated for paradigm shift required for a sustainable economy.”
