In a decisive move towards environmental sustainability, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, has installed 130 plastic waste bins across its campus to tackle plastic pollution and promote responsible waste management.
The initiative is part of the university’s ongoing research project, Transforming Plastic Waste into Wealth in AE-FUNAI, funded by the Embassy of France in Nigeria. AE-FUNAI is among five Nigerian universities participating in this sustainability-focused research, aimed at addressing the pressing issue of plastic waste.
Led by Professor Robert Onyeneke, the 14-month project includes awareness campaigns, waste disposal education, and innovative strategies to repurpose plastic waste into valuable products. The installation of waste bins is a key step in the university’s broader environmental sustainability plan.
Speaking during the delivery of the waste bins, Professor Onyeneke emphasized the project’s significance, describing it as a crucial effort in keeping AE-FUNAI clean while fostering a culture of recycling. He highlighted that the strategically placed bins would encourage proper waste disposal and support a larger environmental movement.
He expressed gratitude to the university’s leadership, under Vice-Chancellor Professor Sunday Elom, for their unwavering support. He also acknowledged the Embassy of France in Nigeria for funding the initiative, recognizing their commitment to sustainable development in higher institutions.
This initiative marks a milestone in AE-FUNAI’s sustainability journey, promising a cleaner campus and a shift toward responsible waste management. As the project unfolds, students and staff are expected to embrace a more eco-friendly waste disposal culture, reinforcing the university’s role as a champion of environmental conservation.
