By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
The University of Jos has officially joined the global push for plastic-free environments with the inauguration of its maiden Plastic-Free Campus Awareness Initiative and the “Get Creative with Plastic” competition, backed by the French Embassy Fund (FEF).
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Tanko Ishaya, described the initiative as timely and significant, noting that the campaign reflects the institution’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and global collaboration. He expressed delight that the university was selected among the 14 institutions benefiting from the French Embassy Fund.
The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Joash Amupitan, noted that the occasion marked an epoch-making moment for the university community.
In his words:“We are proud to be part of this international effort. Plastic represents both a danger to our environment and an untapped resource for innovation and wealth creation. This campaign is about more than just a clean campus.it is about embedding a culture of sustainability, responsibility, and creativity among our students.
“The University of Jos is committed not only to education, but to solutions that are relevant globally. And with the support of partners like the French Embassy, I believe we can lead the way in turning plastic waste into something purposeful.”
He emphasized that the initiative aligns with global environmental efforts by institutions like the United Nations and the African Union. Referencing Rwanda’s historic achievement as the first plastic-free country, he said the university was proud to take a step in that direction.
Amupitan encouraged the university’s various departments to integrate the campaign into their research and innovation programs, noting that “technology offers us the tools to transform what others discard into economic value.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Coordinator of the University’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Unit, Professor Ponchang Wuyep, provided background to the project, stressing that while plastics have economic benefits, their environmental and health dangers are profound.
“As a plant scientist, I know that plastics are a serious threat to plants. They clog the soil, prevent roots from growing, and take up to a thousand years to degrade,” he said. He also warned of the dangers of microplastics, which are increasingly present in the food chain and pose serious risks to both terrestrial and aquatic life.
Prof. Wuyep highlighted that many within and outside the university are already making a living by collecting and reselling plastic waste. “We are hoping our students young, enterprising, and full of ideas can take this even further. With the fabrication lab already using recycled plastic as printing ink, there is great potential,” he noted. He commended the French Embassy’s support and called on the university community to partner in transforming plastic from a nuisance into a resource.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Mrs. Naomi Embaga, the university’s liaison for the project, appreciated the presence of the Vice-Chancellor and other principal officers, acknowledging the university’s longstanding diplomatic relationship with the French Embassy, which paved the way for the initiative.
She explained that although the university did not receive an initial award grant, the embassy insisted on UNIJOS being part of the plastic-free campaign. She further thanked the volunteers recruited by the embassy, student participants, and staff who contributed to the planning and success of the event.
Representing the participating students, former SUG President, Comrade Dakon Josiah, expressed deep appreciation to the French Embassy for bringing the initiative to the University of Jos. He emphasized that the project resonated with students because they are directly affected by the campus environment and waste around them.
He also appealed to the university management to consider integrating the plastic recycling initiative into the institution’s work-study scheme, allowing students to earn while participating.
