By Abdullahi Lukman
U-Recycle Initiative Africa, a Nigerian youth-led environmental NGO, has launched the second edition of its flagship fellowship, PlasticWize 2.0, aimed at combating plastic pollution within Nigerian universities through student-led innovation and systemic change.
In a press release issued on May 26, 2025, and signed by Director of Communications Timilehin Abioye, the organisation outlined plans to empower student leaders and lecturers from four universities—OAU, UNIBEN, LAUTECH, and UNILAG—to drive sustainable practices on campus.
Each institution is represented by two fellows, supported by faculty advisors to ensure effective project implementation.
PlasticWize, first launched in 2022 under the theme: “Redefining Sustainable Campuses” with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), engaged over 2,000 students across 100 universities through workshops, digital tools, and waste-reduction campaigns.
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The latest phase began with a four-day Campus Leaders Training held in Abuja in December 2024, featuring over 20 expert-led sessions on topics such as circular economy, project management, and waste sustainability.
Participants praised the initiative for its impact and relevance, especially in addressing health and environmental risks associated with plastic waste.
Following the training, fellows organized stakeholder workshops at their respective institutions, engaging food vendors, lecturers, and student leaders to identify viable solutions for reducing plastic use on campus.
Stakeholders expressed growing interest in adopting sustainable waste disposal practices and reducing single-use plastics.
PlasticWize 2.0 is part of U-Recycle’s long-term vision to reshape plastic consumption habits in African universities through youth-driven change, with programming scheduled to continue through 2026.
