Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), Nigeria’s premier private University, has joined the global community in commemorating the 2025 World Environment Day with a resounding call to action under the theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution.”
The event, held on June 10 at the university campus, brought together policymakers, academics, environmental experts, and students to deliberate on sustainable solutions to the plastic waste crisis.
Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, PhD, FAS, Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, delivered a compelling address, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action against plastic pollution.
“Today is not just a day of awareness; it is a call to action,” he declared. “Plastic pollution is one of the gravest environmental threats of our time, with over 400 million tons produced annually and only 10% recycled. The rest pollutes our waterways, soil, and marine ecosystems, endangering both wildlife and human health.”
Prof. Ezemonye highlighted IUO’s leadership in sustainability, including its participation in the Sustainable Plastic Waste and Recycling Management (SWARM) project, funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme.
He also unveiled the university’s latest innovation—a Mini Gasifier Plant-which converts plastic waste into clean energy, demonstrating IUO’s commitment to research-driven environmental solutions.
The event featured a high-powered panel discussion moderated by Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, Honourable Commissioner for Health, Edo State. Panelists included experts from academia, government, and environmental agencies.
Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole revealed that the Edo State Government recently launched a one-million-tree planting initiative to promote environmental sustainability.
He warned about the severe health implications of plastic pollution and emphasized the “7 R’s” of plastic waste management (Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle, and Rot).
He also disclosed that the state government is proposing a new bill to enhance public health and enforce sustainable plastic production and disposal.
Dr. Mrs. Eboreime-Oikeh, Dean of the School of Clinical Medicine at IUO, advocated for the integration of plastic waste management into the university’s curriculum in line with the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) CCMASS guidelines.
The event concluded with a unanimous resolution to intensify public sensitization campaigns and adopt proactive measures to reduce plastic waste. Participants pledged to promote eco-friendly alternatives and advocate for stronger policy implementation.
As World Environment Day 2025 serves as a turning point, Igbinedion University, Okada, reaffirms its commitment to fostering a cleaner campus, a safer Nigeria, and a healthier planet
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