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

Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), in collaboration with Digital Peers International (DPI-SGP), has 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 was held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the S.B. Mohammed Auditorium, School of Postgraduate Studies, and attracted representatives of government agencies, development partners, academia, environmental experts, participants, and members of the University community.

The initiative was designed to equip young Nigerians with digital and practical skills for tackling plastic waste pollution through innovative technology-driven solutions that promote 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), Professor K'tso Nghargbu, congratulated the participants on completing the programme and commended Digital Peers International and its partners for selecting NSUK as a strategic partner in advancing environmental education and youth development.

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

Describing the initiative as a platform for innovation and knowledge incubation, Professor Nghargbu said the programme had equipped participants with practical skills and technological expertise 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 applying the knowledge acquired to develop innovative solutions capable of transforming their communities and contributing to national development.

In her welcome address, the National Programme Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Representative, Dr. Ronke Olubamishe, congratulated the participants on the successful completion of the programme and appreciated all stakeholders for their support toward 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 driven by vision, collaboration, commitment, and shared responsibility. She emphasised the importance of leveraging 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 development and environmental sustainability. They also encouraged the graduates to champion innovative and sustainable environmental practices within their communities.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of waste collection receptacles to the management of Nasarawa State University by Digital Peers International, symbolising the shared commitment of both organisations 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.

The event concluded with a group photograph, marking the successful completion of the initiative and reinforcing NSUK's growing reputation as a leading institution promoting sustainable development through strategic partnerships, innovation, research, and youth empowerment in line with national and global development priorities.