ABU and UNICEF Launch Phase III of 'Green Rising' Project to Combat Plastic Waste

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) has officially commenced Phase III of the ABU-UNICEF Green Rising Project, marking a significant expansion of its youth-led environmental sustainability initiative.

The project, coordinated by the Student Affairs Division and the ABU Tree Planting Committee, is designed to build climate awareness and empower students to lead practical solutions to environmental challenges.

The commencement of Phase III follows two highly successful initial stages:

Phase I: Focused on capacity building, sensitizing over 300 students on tree planting techniques and waste recycling.

Phase II: Led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, this phase saw the planting of over 2,000 trees across a dedicated 5.2-hectare site on the university campus.

Phase III: Tackling Plastic Pollution

The current phase introduces a robust plastic and polythene waste collection exercise. To facilitate this, twelve student-managed waste collection kiosks have been strategically stationed across the university's campuses. Staff, students, and campus stakeholders are encouraged to utilize these facilities to support a cleaner, greener academic environment.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the university and global partners. UNICEF provided two critical grants to fund the execution of all three phases, while Ahmadu Bello University contributed the land, logistical support, and the technical expertise of its staff and student body.

In a statement signed by the Dean of the Student Affairs Division, Professor S.B. Junaidu, the university reaffirmed its commitment to producing high-level human capacity capable of meeting global climate challenges.