UNILAG, AFRETEC Partners Engage Stakeholders on AI-Driven Carbon Extraction at Olusosun Landfill for World Recycling Day
The University of Lagos (UNILAG), in partnership with the African Engineering and Technology Network (AFRETEC), marked the 2025 World Recycling Day by engaging stakeholders at the Olusosun Landfill, Lagos, on using artificial intelligence (AI) for carbon extraction from waste for renewable energy.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
In commemoration of the 2025 World Recycling Day, the University of Lagos (UNILAG), in collaboration with its partners under the African Engineering and Technology Network (AFRETEC) Inclusive Digital Transformation Seed-Grant Project, engaged stakeholders at the Olusosun Landfill in Ojota, Lagos, to discuss the application of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques for carbon extraction from landfill waste for renewable energy.
The initiative, which is part of an ongoing research project titled “Application of AI Techniques for Extracting Carbon from Landfill Waste for Renewable Energy,” provided a platform for experts, government agencies, and waste management stakeholders to deliberate on sustainable waste conversion solutions.
Beyond the discussions, landfill workers benefited from a free medical outreach facilitated by the UNILAG Green Hub and the Human Concern Foundation International. The outreach aimed to improve the health and well-being of landfill workers, many of whom are directly exposed to hazardous waste materials.
Flagging off the engagement session, the General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by Mr. Olumide Mumuni, Head of Olusosun Landfill TLS, applauded the AFRETEC team for their commitment to addressing carbon emissions. Mr. Mumuni emphasized LAWMA’s dedication to landfill gas management and carbon emission reduction, citing ongoing efforts to foster private-sector involvement in waste-to-energy conversion and green energy generation.
Several experts from the AFRETEC Seed-Grant Project made insightful presentations on different aspects of the research.
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Dr. Abdulganiy Adelopo (Principal Quality Control Officer, Works & Physical Planning, UNILAG) discussed “Digital Awareness Among Landfill Workers: Challenges and Opportunities” and “Digital Intervention for Landfill Management: Data & Economic Gains.”
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Dr. Babatunde Sawyerr (Department of Computer Science, UNILAG, and AI Lead) spoke on “Pictures and Carbon Data Management – AI Intervention Opportunities.”
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Professor Siphila Wanjiku Mumenya (Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nairobi) shared insights on “Nairobi Waste Management Experience.”
Recommendations and Advocacy
Key takeaways from the engagement included:
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Strengthening collaborations between academia and industry to enhance practical and contemporary research.
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Increasing investments in research and stakeholder partnerships for more efficient waste-to-energy conversion.
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Providing capacity-building programs for landfill workers, including waste pickers and scavengers, to bridge the gap between theoretical research and operational waste management practices.
