The French Embassy in Nigeria, through its Cooperation and Cultural Department, has initiated a €753,000 plastic waste management project that will be implemented in 13 Nigerian colleges.
This was disclosed by the Science and Higher Education Attache, Mr Sebastien Bede, at a news conference on Friday in Abuja, according to Nairametrics.
Bede said that the project funded by the French Embassy Fund (FEF) is centered around creating inventive and flexible concepts to decrease plastic waste and improve sustainable practices on campus.
He stated “Plastic waste is a pressing global issue and through this project, we aim to reduce the plastic footprint on Nigerian campuses.
“It will also inspire a new generation of environmental stewards who can champion the cause for a plastic-free world starting with their immediate communities.
“I also see the opportunity that we organise a study tour in Nigerian universities, French universities, business schools, and engineering schools, to discuss cooperation.
“Whether it is for plastic recycling or any other areas of cooperation, we are willing to open the cooperation to more universities in Nigeria.
“A key component of this project is sustainability and that is why I said that we have also co-designed a business model for these microplants, and the total amount for this project is €753,000.”
In addition, Bede noted that a steering committee has been formed. The Tertiary Education Trust Fund, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, the National Universities Commission, and representatives from the member universities make up this committee.
He listed the universities benefiting from the project, which include Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Bayero University Kano, Nile University of Nigeria, Covenant University, Babcock University, and the University of Jos.
The Yaba College of Technology, the University of Calabar, the University of Nigeria Nsukka, the University of Obafemi Awolowo, the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, and the University of Delta will also be included in the Initiative.
