A 2-man French Embassy Fund (FEF) Project Team has arrived the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Nigeria for a two-day visit.
On the bright and sunny morning of Thursday, June 27, 2024, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research), Prof. Bola Oboh received the team which comprised Project Manager of the FEF, Mrs. Adjua Suzanne Kamara and Technical Assistance Project Manager at Plastic Odyssey, Mr. Jean-Baptiste Grassin at her office on the ninth (9th) floor of the Senate House.
The team was accompanied by the Acting Director, Research Management Office (RMO), Dr. Olasunmbo Olusanya; Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Sunday Ojolo; Dr. Kelechi L. Njoku of the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics; Dr. Abdulganiyu Adelopo of the Works and Physical Planning Unit; and Mrs. Angela Itegboje of the Research Management Office.
After the courtesy call on the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the team proceeded to the Research Management Office for a presentation on waste structure and plastic on campus by Dr. Adelopo; and campus tour/site inspection among others.
The team’s visit to UNILAG followed a prior discussion between the institution and the French Embassy on a FEF Plastic Recycling Project, which is aimed at promoting eco-responsible practices on Nigerian university campuses.
The FEF Plastic Recycling Project would be in 3 phases:
- the establishment of a containerized mini-factory with equipment such as crusher, extruder, injection press, compression oven, plate press for plastic recycling at the University of Lagos;
- organisation of technical trainings to run the mini-factory by fablab managers, users, researchers, lecturers and students; and
- a call for projects in order to support research targeted at tackling plastic pollution.
The mini-factory is projected to recycle up to 20 tons of plastic per year, as well as create various products such as tiles, planks, tubes or fuel.
Reporter: Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Photographer: Islamiat Akanni
