Dr. Akinyemi Ogunkeyede is the Acting Director of the Centre for Waste Management and Sustainable Resources (CWMRS), Federal University of Petroleum Resources, UPRE,. He spoke with, Tolu Olamiriki in this interview about the Zero Waste Campus Project. Excerpt.
Dr. Ogunkeyede, you’ve had an eventful last quarter of 2024, leading multiple sustainability initiatives. Can you share your thoughts on the Zero Waste Campus Project and its significance?
Thank you. The Zero Waste Campus Project is one of our flagship initiatives at FUPRE, aimed at eliminating plastic pollution and embedding a sustainability culture. Launched on September 10, 2024, in partnership with CODAF, it sets a precedent for Nigerian universities to adopt sustainable waste management. Through recycling, waste reduction, and eco-friendly alternatives, we are transforming FUPRE into Nigeria’s first zero-waste university.
That’s an ambitious goal! What has been the response from students and staff?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive! Students are leading the change by reducing single-use plastics and participating in recycling programs. The University management, particularly our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, has been very supportive, reinforcing the vision of a cleaner, greener FUPRE.
You were also recently involved in the Keep Warri Clean Initiative (KWCI). Tell us about your role and how this aligns with your research?
Keep Warri Clean Initiative, launched by Warri South Local Government, is a visionary program that focuses on sustainable waste disposal and treatment. I was invited to deliver a paper on waste treatment and disposal strategies, where I introduced innovative solutions such as bioremediation, plastic composite bricks, and bioplastics from water hyacinth.
What stood out was the commitment from Warri South LGA officials, who humorously declared, “You are hereby arrested!” in their enthusiasm to secure my expertise for their waste management system. This project presents an opportunity to commercialize sustainable waste solutions, making Warri a cleaner, more livable city.
That’s fascinating! You also spoke at Warri Fashion Week 2024 on sustainability in the fashion industry. What was your message to designers?
I challenged them to rethink fashion through the lens of circular economy principles—recycling, upcycling, and sustainable materials. My keynote speech, “Threading the Future Towards a Circular Economy”, emphasized the need to move from a linear ‘take-make-dispose’ model to a regenerative one. I encouraged designers to innovate, think globally, and act locally.
Your work is gaining national recognition. You’ve been selected to exhibit at the TETFund National Research Fair. What can we expect?
Yes, I am honored to represent FUPRE’s Centre for Waste Management and Sustainable Resources at the TETFund National Research Fair from November 17–21, 2024, in Abuja. We will showcase several waste-to-wealth innovations, including:
• Plastic composite bricks
• Cellulose-based emulsion paint
• Antibacterial soap from plantain peels and water hyacinth
• Recycled paper and eco-friendly packaging
The fair provides an opportunity for commercialization, attracting investors and government agencies to scale these innovations into impactful environmental solutions.
And to top it all off, you’re receiving the Meritorious Service Award from NES Delta Chapter. How do you feel about this recognition?
It is truly humbling. This award, presented at the 15th Edition of the Late Prof. F.M.A Ukoli Environmental Workshop on November 29, 2024, recognizes my contributions to sustainable waste management. It reinforces my commitment to turning research into real-world impact.
What’s next for you and the Centre for Waste Management?
We are expanding our research into biodegradable alternatives, large-scale waste-to-energy projects, and community-based waste management models. We are also seeking industrial and governmental partnerships to commercialize our innovations further.
What Advice do you have for the public?
Sustainability is everyone’s responsibility. From individuals reducing plastic use to governments enforcing policies, we all have a role to play. Waste is not waste—it is an untapped resource. If we harness it correctly, we can create a cleaner, more sustainable future for Nigeria.
Thank you, Dr. Ogunkeyede, for your insights. Congratulations on your achievements!
Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
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