NSUK Graduates Youths, Honours Outstanding Participants in Digital Plastic Waste Management Initiative

In furtherance of its commitment to promoting innovation, environmental sustainability, and community-driven development, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), in collaboration with Digital Peers International (DPI-SGP), has successfully graduated participants of the project, "Deploying the Power of IT: Engaging Youths for Effective Plastic Use and Plastic Waste Management," with outstanding participants receiving awards for excellence.

The graduation and award presentation ceremony, held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the S.B. Mohammed Auditorium, School of Postgraduate Studies, brought together representatives of government agencies, development partners, academia, environmental experts, participants, and members of the University community.

The project was designed to equip young Nigerians with digital and practical competencies for addressing plastic waste pollution through innovative technology-based solutions capable of advancing environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and national development.

Declaring the ceremony open on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa'adatu Hassan Liman, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Linkages), K'tso Nghargbu, congratulated the graduates on successfully completing the programme and applauded Digital Peers International and its partners for choosing NSUK as a strategic partner in advancing environmental education and youth development.

He noted that under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, NSUK remains committed to fostering impactful research, innovation, strategic partnerships, and community engagement that provide practical solutions to contemporary societal challenges.

Describing the initiative as a platform for knowledge incubation and innovation, DVC Nghargbu stated that the project had equipped participants with practical skills and technological knowledge to develop sustainable solutions to the growing challenge of plastic waste pollution.

"The project has provided participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to develop sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. We must continue to strengthen collaboration among government, academia, and industry to effectively tackle the menace of plastic waste in Nigeria," he said.

He urged the graduates to become ambassadors of environmental sustainability by translating the knowledge acquired into innovative solutions that would positively impact their communities and contribute to national development.

In her welcome address, the National Programme Coordinator and UNDP Representative, Dr. Ronke Olubamishe, congratulated the participants on the successful completion of the programme and appreciated all stakeholders for their invaluable support towards the successful implementation of the initiative.

According to her, the project is a global environmental intervention that promotes practical solutions to environmental challenges while empowering young people, encouraging community participation, strengthening institutional collaboration, and stimulating sustainable economic growth.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Digital Peers International, Dr. Ibukun Odusote, described the initiative as a remarkable journey built on vision, commitment, collaboration, and shared responsibility. She stressed the importance of harnessing digital innovation, research, and inclusive leadership to improve environmental management, generate evidence-based solutions, strengthen technical capacity, and promote product commercialisation.

Delivering goodwill messages, the representative of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr. Umar Murtala, and the Director of Waste Management, Nasarawa State, Mr. Abubakar Ishaq, commended the organisers for investing in youth capacity development and environmental sustainability. They congratulated the graduating participants and encouraged them to champion innovative and sustainable environmental practices within their respective communities.

One of the major highlights of the event was the presentation of waste collection receptacles to the management of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, by Digital Peers International, symbolising the University's shared commitment to promoting effective waste management and environmental responsibility on campus.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of plaques and cash awards to ten outstanding participants in recognition of their exceptional performance throughout the programme, while a group photograph marked the successful conclusion of the impactful initiative.

The event further underscored NSUK's growing reputation as a leading institution committed to driving sustainable development through strategic partnerships, innovation, research, and youth empowerment in line with national and global development priorities.