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The French Embassy, via the Cooperation and Cultural Department, has launched a plastic waste management project under its French Embassy Fund across various universities in Nigeria.
The project, worth €753,000 involves 13 Nigerian universities and is focusing on developing innovative to curb plastic waste and enhance sustainable practices.
Among universities slated to participate in the project include the Alex Ekwueme Federal University; Bayero University, Kano; Nile University of Nigeria; Covenant University; Babcock University; University of Jos; Obafemi Awolowo University; University of Ibadan; University of Lagos; Yaba Technology; University of Calabar; University of Nsukka; and the University of Delta.
Speaking with education stakeholders in at the inaugural steering committee meeting in Abuja, the Acting French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jean-Francois Hasperue said universities are at the forefront of shaping the future and the project is a significant step towards a more sustainable world.
Hasperue said, “There are projects on the ground that are very important, but we have to ensure the follow-up of the Paris Agreement and make sure that the engagements taken at that location are fulfilled and followed up. And in that endeavour, we are partnering with many countries.
“We chose African countries because we believe fighting climate change deserves solidarity between the most economically advanced countries and the less economically advanced countries.
“We have put in place, through the Paris Pact for People and Planets, a system where we have engaged in funding up to $1bn, and the French contribution will be $6bn, more or less, so more than what was expected from France, to fund projects on the ground to combat poverty and at the same time fight climate change, the effects of pollution, and biodiversity erosion,” he highlighted.
The Science and Higher Education Attache, Mr Sebastien Bede, said, “Plastic waste is a pressing global issue. Through this project, we aim to not only reduce the plastic footprint on Nigerian campuses but also to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards who can champion the cause for a plastic-free world starting with their immediate communities.”
The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, said the project is not just about money but about value.
