Last Updated on April 24, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Raymond Osemene
In a strategic move to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, the Co-Producing Knowledge on Sustainable Growth Through Service-Learning Pedagogy between African and European Higher Educational Institutions (COPAFEU), on April 22, 2025, joined the global community in celebrating the 2025 International Day of Zero Waste at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
Delivering the Opening Remarks on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Dean of the College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM), Prof. Olusegun Oguntoke, reaffirmed the University’s dedication to sustainable waste conversion initiatives. He commended the presence of textile and manufacturing companies at the event, acknowledging their valuable knowledge-sharing contributions and collaborative spirit.
Calling on all stakeholders, including students, staff, industry partners, and government agencies, to support and collaborate on initiatives that promote a cleaner, greener future, the Vice-Chancellor expressed optimism that through consistent advocacy, research, and capacity-building, the University would continue to set the pace for environmentally conscious innovation in Nigeria and beyond. He assured participants that the University is open to partnerships that would enhance the development and implementation of sustainable waste conversion technologies.
Earlier, while welcoming participants to the commemorative event, the Team Leader of COPAFEU, Prof. Babatunde Bada, described the Union as an international research initiative funded by Erasmus. He noted that the project supports E-Science Learning (E-SL) and the integration of non-academic actors in countries such as Ethiopia, Tanzania, and South Africa. Prof. Bada emphasised the significance of waste utilisation in achieving environmental sustainability.
Highlighting the role of circular economy in waste management, Dr. Eugene Itua, Chief Executive Officer of Natural Eco Capital and an alumnus of FUNAAB, delivered a Keynote Address on “Circular Economy Principles for Sustainable Management of Fashion and Textile Waste.” Dr. Itua explained that circular economy principles offer practical pathways for minimising waste and maximising resource utilisation within the fashion and textile value chain.
He recalled that the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared March 30 as the International Day of Zero Waste in December 2022 to encourage waste reduction and promote policies that support the shift towards a circular economy.
In another presentation titled “Circular Economy Principles for Sustainable Hazardous Waste Management”, Mrs. Oluyemisi Osinaike, Director of Inspectorate and Compliance Monitoring at the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), described the circular economy as a departure from the traditional “take-make-dispose” model. According to her, the concept promotes the continual reuse of materials, thereby reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency.
Delivering another engaging lecture on “Metal Recycling for Sustainable Economic Development,” Mr. Oluwasegun Alabi, Administrative Manager at Metal Manufacturing Nigeria Ltd., stressed that true economic development must be environmentally sustainable. While economic growth provides jobs and improves living standards, he warned against the consequences of unchecked development, such as environmental degradation and resource depletion.
The event was well attended by dignitaries, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi (represented by Dr. Oluwaseun Olurin); Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Morenike Dipeolu; Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Clement Adeofun; Dean, College of Food Science and Human Ecology (COLFHEC), Prof. Adebukunola Omemu; Director, Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, and the immediate past Dean of the Postgraduate School, Prof. Wilfred Alegbeleye, including several Academic and Non-Teaching Staff, both within and outside of FUNAAB.
