TWO UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN STUDENTS WIN FRENCH EMBASSY’S "GET CREATIVE WITH PLASTIC" CHALLENGE

The University of Ibadan has achieved a remarkable milestone as two of its students emerged winners in the Get Creative with Plastic Challenge, part of the French Embassy’s Plastic Free Campus Awareness Initiative. UI was one of only 10 Nigerian universities selected to participate in this initiative, funded by the French Embassy Fund (FEF) Project.

The initiative was championed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. K. O. Adebowale, FAS, mni, and coordinated through the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships), Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose SAN, with support from Prof. P. O. Olapegba (DVC Administration), Prof. Aderonke M. Baiyeroju (DVC Academics), and the Registrar, Mr. G. O. Saliu.

Prof. Aina O. Adeogun of the Department of Zoology served as the Focal Person for the UI-FEF Campus Wide Initiative. Working closely with the Students’ Union Executive Committee, Public Relations Unit, and ITEMs Unit, the team ensured robust student engagement and wide participation across the university community.

University of Ibadan contributions stood out significantly with over 300 students actively participating and more than 100 creative submissions in the Challenge. UI recorded the highest level of engagement among all participating campuses, a feat that can only be from UI as the “First and the Best”.

Due to this extraordinary commitment, UI became the only university among the ten to have two winners in the Challenge:

• Paul Debbie – a 300 Level student of the Department of Environmental Health Science, Faculty of Public Health – Music Category
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• Adekunle Julius Akorede  - a 300 Level student of the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences – Writing Category

This recognition underscores University of Ibadan leadership and sustained excellence in addressing plastic pollution and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.