The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Warri, Delta State, Professor Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, has said the university will start a post-graduate diploma programme in zero waste management technology, to bridge the knowledge gap that has truncated waste management and zero waste policies in the state and the country.
The VC stated this at the launching of the ‘Zero Waste Campus Project’ in FUPRE, organised by the Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), as part of the first phase of the ‘End Single Use Plastics Campaign in Campus’, aimed at fostering zero-waste governance in Nigerian universities by launching a ‘plastic-free campus’ initiative, and reinforcing the broader campaign to prohibit single-use plastics in Delta State.
A statement from the varsity’s communication consultant, Elvira Jordan, said the vice chancellor stated that his duty included looking into areas that will make the University relevant in society and as such, the zero waste campus projects has presented another opportunity to the institution’s motto of excellence and relevance.
He added that the university prioritises waste management, hence the setting up of the Center for Waste Management and Sustainable Resources.
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The VC welcomed any collaborative effort with CODAF to further drive the zero waste initiative, and to also look towards the establishment of a post graduate programme on waste management in the university’s 2025/2026 academic session, to teach the technological and management principles of zero waste.
Speaking, the Executive Director of CODAF, Benin Richard, stated that the zero waste campus project is a comprehensive strategy to build a sustainable waste management culture on campuses, not just aimed at reducing plastic waste, but to also establish an ecosystem where responsible consumption, waste reduction and recycling are given top priority.
According to him, it is the duty of thinkers and researchers to set an example by demonstrating values and principles of sustainability, by taking the decision as a group to bring meaningful change.
He added that the project is aimed at encouraging higher institutions to take positive actions towards ending the scourge of plastic pollution in the environment.
The Clean Energy campaigner for GAIA Africa, Weyinmi Okotie, while introducing the zero waste ideology at the launch, stated that it promotes a circular economy that encourages society to produce waste that can be reused.
He added that zero waste goals also look at responsible production and consumption of waste beyond educating end users on waste management, into advocating for producers to be responsible for the waste they generate.
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