French embassy invests N1.2bn in varsities to plastic waste to wealth
The France Embassy in Nigeria, through the French Embassy Fund (FEF), has invested more than €750,000 (over N1.2 billion) to support research and innovation projects aimed at converting plastic waste into wealth-generating products across Nigerian universities. The initiative is targeted at encouraging universities to develop sustainable recycling solutions capable of addressing environmental pollution while also […]
The France Embassy in Nigeria, through the French Embassy Fund (FEF), has invested more than €750,000 (over N1.2 billion) to support research and innovation projects aimed at converting plastic waste into wealth-generating products across Nigerian universities.
The initiative is targeted at encouraging universities to develop sustainable recycling solutions capable of addressing environmental pollution while also creating jobs and economic opportunities.
Speaking during the commissioning of a Microplant facility at Nile University of Nigeria in Abuja, the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, said the project was designed to promote environmental sustainability and wealth creation through innovative recycling initiatives.
The ambassador, who was represented by the Director and Head of Cooperation at the French Embassy, Pierre Andriamapianina, urged universities to intensify research efforts focused on converting plastic waste such as nylon bags, plastic bottles and other discarded materials into commercially viable products.
According to him, the waste-to-wealth initiative is expected to contribute significantly to environmental cleanliness, job creation and entrepreneurship development.
He explained that plastic pollution has become a major environmental challenge globally, making it important for academic institutions and research centres to develop practical solutions that would transform waste into useful products.
He added that the French government remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote sustainability, innovation and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
According to the embassy, the project is currently benefiting 11 Nigerian universities, including University of Lagos and Nile University, among others.
The programme has already provided grant funding for innovative plastic recycling projects in at least five universities, while plastic recycling microplants have been installed in two university campuses so far.
Speaking at the event, Managing Consultant, Nyananso Ekanem, expressed concern over the growing volume of plastic waste in Nigeria and the low level of recycling.
He stated that Nigeria has produced about 8.3 billion metric tonnes of plastic waste, but only about nine per cent has been recycled.
Vice Chancellor of Nile University, Dilli Dogo, said the institution has consistently focused on producing graduates equipped with entrepreneurial and vocational skills that would enable them become self-reliant after graduation.
He lamented the rising poverty level in the country despite the abundance of opportunities within the environment, especially in waste recycling and environmental management.
According to him, universities must move beyond theoretical education and begin to equip students with practical skills capable of addressing societal challenges while also creating wealth.
He disclosed that the university was already working towards establishing a vocational training school aimed at empowering young people with practical skills in recycling, manufacturing and other vocational areas.
Also speaking, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Science at Nile University, Abdulhameed Mambo, explained that there are about seven categories of plastics, including high-density and low-density plastics.