Two students of the University of Ibadan (UI) have emerged winners in the “Get Creative with Plastic” Challenge, part of the French Embassy’s Plastic-Free Campus Awareness Initiative aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility in Nigerian universities.
The initiative, funded by the French Embassy Fund (FEF) Project, featured ten selected Nigerian universities, with UI standing out for its exceptional level of student engagement and creativity.
UI’s participation was led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, and coordinated through the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships), Professor Oluyemisi Bamgbose. Additional support came from Professor P. Olapegba (DVC Administration), Professor Aderonke Baiyeroju (DVC Academics), and the Registrar, Mr Ganiyi Saliu. Professor Aina Adeogun of the Department of Zoology served as the initiative’s focal person on campus.
The campaign, delivered in close collaboration with the Students’ Union Executive Committee, the Directorate of Public Communication, and the Information Technology and Media Services Unit, successfully mobilised wide participation across the university community.
More than 300 students took part in the challenge, submitting over 100 creative entries. UI distinguished itself among the ten institutions by producing the highest level of engagement and becoming the only university with two winning entries.
The winners are:
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Paul Debbie, a 300-level student of the Department of Environmental Health Science, Faculty of Public Health – Winner in the Music category
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Adekunle Julius Akorede, a 300-level student of the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences – Winner in the Writing category
In a statement, the University of Ibadan noted that the recognition reaffirms its leadership role and continued commitment to addressing plastic pollution and promoting environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
