32.4 tonnes of waste daily, threatens UNILAG’s environment—VC

Folasade Ogunsola, the vice-chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), has emphasised that the institution’s daily generation of 32.4 tonnes of solid waste and plastic pollution remains both a local and global environmental challenges that demand innovative interventions. Ogunsola made this known on Wednesday at the commissioning of a model micro-plastic recycling plant donated to the university by the French Embassy.

…but can become a wealth-creation initiative, a plastic recycling plant

The vice-chancellor, who was represented by Afolabi Lesi, the deputy vice-chancellor in charge of development services, said the institution’s trajectory from the project’s conception to commissioning has been one of strategic planning, shared expertise, and mutual commitment.

“From the initial strategic engagements in June 2024, to technical capacity-building programmes, international exposure visits, campus awareness campaigns, research collaborations, and investments in equipment and infrastructure, this project has reflected a truly collaborative and forward-looking partnership,” she said.

Ogunsola explained that the university’s engagement with the French Embassy Fund partners has been built on mutual respect, knowledge exchange, and shared responsibility toward sustainability.

She applauded the French Embassy, the FEF Project Team, and Plastic Odyssey for supporting the delivery of the state-of-the-art containerised mini-factory equipped with essential plastic recycling machinery, including a crusher, extruder, injection press, compression oven, and plate press.

Besides, she revealed that the project also benefited from the expertise of leading University of Lagos researchers and technical teams who contributed significantly to the design, adaptation, and integration of local content solutions into the facility.

“At full operational capacity, this micro-plant is projected to recycle up to 126 tonnes of plastic waste annually into valuable products such as furniture planks, tiles, and other reusable materials,” she noted.

The vice-chancellor further disclosed that the launch of the project is not merely about funding; it is about creating sustainable value. “At the University of Lagos, we have continued to demonstrate that waste can become a resource capable of generating environmental, economic, and social benefits.

“While the university already derives value from aspects of its waste management system, we still face significant waste management challenges,” she stated.

Ogunsola revealed that the micro-plant will greatly improve the university’s efficiency and strengthen its capacity to manage plastic waste using more innovative and technologically driven approaches.

“Through this initiative, we are closing the loop in our waste stream by transforming plastic waste from an environmental burden into an economic and developmental asset.

“This micro-plant is more than a factory; it is a classroom without walls. It will serve as a living laboratory for our students and researchers across engineering, environmental sciences, business, and other related disciplines by providing hands-on learning opportunities in recycling technology, circular economy systems, sustainable manufacturing, and green entrepreneurship,” she said.

Moreover, she emphasised that the project will help nurture a new generation of environmental leaders and innovators committed to building a cleaner and more sustainable future.

She expressed gratitude to the French Embassy and the people of France for their unwavering support and belief in UNILAG’s vision.

“I specifically thank the previous and present French ambassadors for their commitment and continued support for sustainable development initiatives within the University of Lagos.

“Besides, I appreciate the French Embassy Fund (FEF) Project Team, the Science and Higher Education Attaché, and our technical partners, Plastic Odyssey, for their professionalism, expertise, and dedication throughout this project,” she said.