UNILAG Students Take Gold at 2024 SDG Olympiad with Groundbreaking Plastic Initiative

In a proud victory for Nigeria, Team PlastiConn from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) clinched the Gold Prize at the 2024 SDG Olympiad, held in Paris, France. The winning duo, Oluwatoyin Odulana and Imisioluwa Aliya Onafeso, showcased their innovative project on plastic waste collection, competing against 12 universities from four continents.

Representing UNILAG’s SDG Summer School, Team PlastiConn won the top prize with a solution to bridge the gap between plastic collection initiatives and access to collection centers. Team QMorjan from New York University Abu Dhabi earned the Silver Prize for their AI-driven coral restoration platform, while Team Planetary Predictor from the University of Geneva took Bronze with a climate modeling tool for schools.

The SDG Olympiad, a global initiative focused on solutions for environmental and health challenges under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighted student-led innovation in the face of urgent global issues. Each entry was evaluated on creativity, impact, and feasibility, with the three winning teams demonstrating standout visions for a sustainable future.

Odulana and Onafeso’s project, "PlastiConn" (Plastic Wastes Connectors), aims to support SDG 12, "Responsible Consumption and Production," by connecting communities to plastic collection initiatives and centers. Their advisor, Dr. Peter Elias of UNILAG's Department of Geography, praised the team’s dedication, with support from UNILAG Green Hub, UNICEF, and Lagos Urban Studies Group (LUSG), underscoring a collaborative approach essential to their success.

The Olympiad also marks a step forward for UNILAG’s "FUTURE-Ready" vision, championed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola. She extended her congratulations to Team PlastiConn, urging them to continue their efforts toward a sustainable and impact-driven future.

As Odulana, a Master’s student, and Onafeso, entering her fourth undergraduate year, celebrate their achievement, their success echoes UNILAG’s commitment to sustainable solutions and paves the way for future global impact.  https://unilag.edu.ng/?p=43877