NGO trains over 20,000 undergraduates on plastic pollution
U-Recycle Initiative Africa Trains Over 20,000 Youths in Environmental Solutions
By Peter Egwuatu
U-Recycle Initiative Africa, a youth-led non-governmental organization, has successfully trained more than 20,000 students across four federal universities in Nigeria as part of its second annual initiative, PlasticWize 2.0. This program aims to promote environmental education, advance circular economy solutions, and encourage climate action throughout the continent.
The theme for this year’s initiative, “Redefining Sustainable Campuses in Africa,” empowers students to implement localized solutions to environmental and climate challenges. By emphasizing long-term systemic and behavioral changes, the initiative seeks to position young people at the forefront of Africa’s transition to a sustainable circular economy within educational institutions.
According to a statement from U-Recycle Initiative Africa, PlasticWize 2.0 has been rolled out at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Benin (UNIBEN), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). The initiative receives support from the Global Environment Facility, the world’s largest environmental funder, with technical assistance from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
A notable feature of PlasticWize 2.0 is the Behavioral Change Outreach, also known as Eco-Campus Outreach. This innovative six-month campaign utilizes gamification, storytelling, humor, and art to inspire eco-friendly behaviors among university students. Supported by behavioral science, the campaign aims to achieve a lasting reduction in the use of single-use plastics through various engagement strategies, reaching more than 20,000 students across Nigeria.
Additionally, the #iAmPlasticWize Challenge, a 10-day gamified experience, has encouraged students to adopt eco-friendly habits in a lively and engaging manner. This challenge involved over 1,200 participants, fostering a sense of community and competition.
In recognition of exceptional participation, four winners of the challenge were awarded N250,000 scholarships after a thorough evaluation of their performances. The recipients include Hameedah Raji from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Olamiposi Olasanoye from the University of Lagos, Adebayo Olugbenga from Obafemi Awolowo University, and Favour Orukpe from the University of Benin.
