*Launches the Zero Waste Campus Initiative
By Sunday Apah
The Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), a non-governmental organization, has issued a call to tertiary institutions to foster an environment that prioritizes responsible consumption, waste reduction, and recycling.
This appeal was articulated by CODAF’s Executive Director, Mr. Richard Benin, during the unveiling of the Zero Waste Campus Project at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE).
In his address at the event, Mr. Benin stated, “We are embarking on a transformative journey towards sustainability, empowering our university community to actively address the pressing issue of plastic pollution, especially the challenge posed by single-use plastics.”
He noted that FUPRE is the first institution in Nigeria to initiate this project, emphasizing the importance of striving to make it the leading Zero Waste University in both Nigeria and Africa.
“It is our responsibility as a community of thinkers and researchers to exemplify the values of sustainability and accountability,” he continued.
“The Zero Waste Campus Project offers a holistic approach to fostering a sustainable culture on our campuses, which encompasses not just reducing plastic waste. Our aim is to cultivate an ecosystem that prioritizes responsible consumption, waste reduction, and composting.”
Within this framework, each member of the university community will have the opportunity to contribute to a healthier, greener planet.
Plans include the implementation of reusable containers, educational efforts on waste sorting, and advocacy for sustainable alternatives.
“For this initiative to be successful, it is crucial to enhance the support systems that underpin our daily campus life,” Mr. Benin urged.
“I call on university administrators to earnestly adopt the Plastic-Free Campus Blueprint, as it will provide a clear pathway to practical solutions—ranging from minimizing single-use plastics in our facilities to eliminating plastic packaging in campus stores and stopping open dumping of waste.”
He also emphasized the need for a Postgraduate Program in Zero Waste Management, which would not only address health and safety concerns but also play a critical role in reducing reliance on plastic waste.
“If approved, this program would place the institution in a unique position, as FUPRE would be the first university in the world to offer such a curriculum,” he stated.
“This initiative will empower our campus community to make environmentally sound choices and significantly mitigate plastic pollution.
“Your dedication is essential for the success of this project, and I am excited to collaborate with each of you as we embark on this journey together.”
The Vice Chancellor of FUPRE, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, along with the Deputy Vice Chancellor and other senior officials, remarked,
“The university serves as a cradle of knowledge that addresses various challenges, especially environmental issues, and we understand the detrimental effects of improper waste management.”
He added, “Through our Center for Waste Management, we recognized the necessity of partnering with organizations to initiate this project, converting waste into wealth for societal betterment. Our goal is to leverage our knowledge to benefit our campus, home to over 15,000 students, and eventually extend our impact to the community.”
“In discussions with the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administration, it became evident that we have a critical gap in knowledge regarding sustainability in the country.
“We are looking to refine our programs, potentially introducing a Postgraduate Diploma in Waste Management and Technology to address this issue.”
He affirmed that university management fully supports the initiative, with plans to launch the program during the 2025/2026 academic year, emphasizing the importance of teaching waste management technologies and principles.
The event also featured contributions from Dr. Akinyemi Ogunkeyede and Weyinmi Okotie, a Clean Energy Campaigner at GAIA Africa, among others.
A key highlight of the launch was the two-day training program for 60 FUPRE students, who will serve as ambassadors for the Zero Waste Campus initiative.
