The Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) in Ikorodu, Lagos State, is taking proactive measures to combat plastic pollution and raise awareness within its neighboring communities.

The university aims to lead the campaign for promoting recycling and safe disposal of plastics.

During the World Environment Day celebration, themed ‘Solutions to Plastic Pollution,’ the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, highlighted the global impact of plastic pollution. He cited statistics indicating that approximately 22 million tonnes of plastic end up in rivers and oceans, posing risks to marine life, food security, and the blue economy. Odusanya emphasized that addressing plastic pollution requires collective efforts such as financial incentives, proper disposal methods, reduced usage, and recycling.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Kolawole Raheem, former Head of the Centre for School and Community Science and Technology Studies (SACOST) at the Institute for Educational Research and Innovation Studies (IERIS), University of Education, Winneba, Ghana, stressed the importance of raising awareness and encouraging communities to find both formal and informal solutions to plastic pollution.

Additionally, Prof. Raheem suggested implementing a ‘pay-as-you-throw’ system, where citizens are charged based on the weight of mixed garbage they dispose of in order to incentivize  responsible waste management practices.