Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Thirteen Nigerian universities are to harvest a large sum of €753,000 as benefit from the Cooperation and Cultural Department of the French Embassy Fund on plastic waste management.
The universities are Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ebonyi; Bayero University, Kano; Nile University of Nigeria; Covenant University; Babcock University; University of Jos; Obafemi Awolowo University; University of Ibadan; University of Lagos; Yaba College of Technology; University of Calabar; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and the University of Delta.
Acting French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jean-Francois Hasperue, told journalists in Abuja that the project would focus on developing innovative and adaptive ideas for reducing plastic waste and enhancing campus sustainable practices.
According to him, universities are at the forefront of shaping the future and the project is a significant step towards a more sustainable world.
“There are projects on the grounds that are very important, but we have to ensure the follow-up of the Paris Agreement and make sure that the engagements taken at that location are fulfilled and followed up. And in that endeavour, we are partnering with many countries.
“We chose African countries because we believe fighting climate change deserves solidarity between the most economically advanced countries and the less economically advanced countries.
“We have put in place, through the Paris Pact for People and Planets, a system where we have engaged in funding up to $1bn, and the French contribution will be $6bn, more or less, so more than what was expected from France, to fund projects on the ground to combat poverty and at the same time fight climate change, the effects of pollution, and biodiversity erosion.”