French Embassy Launches €753,000 Plastic Waste Management Project in Nigerian Universities

The French Embassy, in collaboration with its Cooperation and Cultural Department, has unveiled a new initiative to tackle plastic waste in Nigeria. The project, funded by the French Embassy Fund and valued at €753,000, is set to involve 13 Nigerian universities in a bid to develop innovative solutions for reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices on campuses.

The universities participating in this initiative include the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Bayero University, Kano, Nile University of Nigeria, Covenant University, Babcock University, University of Jos, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Yaba Technology, University of Calabar, University of Nsukka, and the University of Delta.

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At the inaugural steering committee meeting held in Abuja, the Acting French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jean-Francois Hasperue, addressed the participating universities and stakeholders from the National Universities Commission, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, civil societies, and the Ministry of Environment. He emphasized the crucial role of universities in shaping the future and described the project as a significant step towards a more sustainable world.

Hasperue explained, “There are projects on the ground that are very important, but we have to ensure the follow-up of the Paris Agreement and make sure that the engagements taken at that location are fulfilled and followed up. And in that endeavour, we are partnering with many countries. We chose African countries because we believe fighting climate change deserves solidarity between the most economically advanced countries and the less economically advanced countries.”

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He further highlighted the commitment of France to fund projects aimed at combating poverty, climate change, pollution, and biodiversity erosion through the Paris Pact for People and Planets. “We have put in place, a system where we have engaged in funding up to $1bn, and the French contribution will be $6bn, more or less, so more than what was expected from France,” he said.

The Science and Higher Education Attache, Mr Sebastien Bede, expressed his views on the pressing issue of plastic waste. “Plastic waste is a pressing global issue. Through this project, we aim to not only reduce the plastic footprint on Nigerian campuses but also to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards who can champion the cause for a plastic-free world starting with their immediate communities.”

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Bede also stated that the ultimate objective of the project is to foster cooperation between French and Nigerian universities. “I also see the opportunity that we organise a study tour in Nigerian universities, French universities, whether it’s for plastic recycling or any other areas of cooperation. We are willing to open the cooperation to more universities in Nigeria.”