Strategies at achieving circular economy through collaborative efforts by the academia, industry and governance in waste management took the centre stage at a one-day seminar on advancing circular economy for better environment in universities.

The Vice chancellor, Igbinedion University, Prof Lawrence Ezemonye leading the advocacy in his opening remarks called on the Nigerian universities to rethink plastic waste as a resource using the module of circular economy to create wealth.

The seminar organised by Igbinedion University’s Center for Climate Change and SDGs, Prof Ezemonye said was designed to draw attention to the many benefits of circular economy which is a more efficient and sustainable waste management system with particular focus on plastic recycling.

Ezemonye noted that the university in partnership with Natural Eco Capital has come up with initiatives to harness the potential of plastic waste material on campus for new product to create wealth. He said the university’s decision to promote circular economy was borne out of the numerous gains it brings on board including and not limited to zero waste generation, environmental friendliness, job creation and ultimately its capacity to create wealth as waste in the new thinking is seen as asset.

He explained that the sustainable management of solid waste revolves on industrial practices of reduce, reuse and recycle, adding that recycling is the most effective way to manage plastic waste in a bid to eliminate the harmful effects of plastic waste on human and his environment.

“The university in trying to find lasting solution to the crisis of plastic waste management, has established a plastic aggregation site in the campus. What this means is that, we have set up a plastic waste redemption center where every plastic waste generated on campus can be taken to, in exchange for cash or vouchers.

“The vision and mission of IUO clearly aligns with the call for climate action and achievement of SDGs through circular economy principles and entrepreneurship. This is why IUO infuses climate action and SDGs in its core curriculum as drivers to stimulate our graduates to be future ready for sustainable development,” he added.

In his presentation at the programme, the general manager, Edo State Waste Management Board, Charles Imariagbe said Edo State Government is committed to the institutionalization of the circular economy module because of the advantages that come with it.

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Imariagbe while commending the management of Igbinedion University for championing the new waste management strategy, disclosed that Edo State Government has adopted the concept of circular economy in its plastic waste management.

He said efforts were on to review the state’s waste management laws to accommodate the new thinking in global waste management concept as part of measures to keep the state clean and safe.

Imariagbe noted that stakeholders must intensify efforts to get the buy-in of the citizens through vigorous awareness creation.

“The people must take ownership of this concept and drive circular economy for it to achieve its purpose. They must begin to see waste as asset to create wealth.

“We must create the necessary awareness in the communities particularly university campuses with a view to getting the students to begin to imbibe the culture of environmental cleanliness and the possibility of pursuing a career in circular economy,” Imariagbe explained.

Also speaking, the guest speaker, Dr Andrew Amenaghawon said education was key to changing the mindset of future generations towards the environment.

Amenaghawon, an associate professor of chemical engineering, University of Benin, stressed the need to instill the need to reduce and recycle on the youths.

“The global population is increasing, resources are finite. The linear economy is not sustainable, a circular economy is advocated for paradigm shift required for a sustainable economy,” he said.