The French Embassy in Nigeria and Nile University, Abuja, on Thursday inaugurated a plastic recycling micro-plant to promote environmental sustainability, research, and entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Abuja, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, said the initiative reflected France’s commitment to supporting Nigerian universities in tackling plastic pollution.

Mr Fonbaustier, who was represented by the Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of France, Pierre Andriamampianina, said the project would strengthen environmental sustainability, research, and innovation.

He described the project as part of a broader global movement against plastic pollution and environmental degradation.

According to him, the inauguration marks the culmination of a partnership aimed at advancing research, innovation, and environmental responsibility within Nigerian universities.

He noted that plastic pollution had become a major global concern, citing the United Nations conference co-chaired by France and Costa Rica in Nice in June 2025, where combating plastic pollution emerged as a key priority.

He also referenced a declaration issued by scientists during the World Health Organisation (WHO) summit in Lyon, France, on the harmful effects of plastics on global health systems.

The envoy commended Nigeria for introducing a national policy on plastic waste management in 2021 to regulate the lifecycle of plastics while promoting recycling and reuse.

“Through this project, and thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, the French embassy and its partners have demonstrated that local action can connect with a wider global movement,” he said.

He praised students, researchers, and staff members committed to environmental sustainability, adding that the initiative would create opportunities for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

According to him, the micro-plant is more than a recycling facility, as it is expected to become “a centre of gravity” for ideas, applied research, and community transformation.

He added that the project would improve campus life, support the local economy through the production and sale of recycled products, and provide students with practical learning opportunities.

Using the metaphor of discarded plastic bottles transformed into useful products, he said the initiative embodied the principle that “nothing is created; everything is transformed.”

He further stressed that the partnership between French and Nigerian universities underscored the importance of investing in young people, research, and innovation to address global environmental challenges.

In his remarks, the vice-chancellor of Nile University, Dili Dogo, described the collaboration with the French embassy as a demonstration of long-term commitment to education and development.

He recalled that the French ambassador had visited the university several times over the past two years, including a visit to commission a fabrication laboratory donated to the institution.

“During the commissioning, I said we could move further, and he replied that we must move further. That is exactly what we are doing today,” he said.

Mr Dogo commended the French embassy for extending its support beyond diplomacy to active involvement in Nigeria’s educational and development sectors.

He disclosed that after establishing the Fab Lab, the embassy organised training for representatives of 14 Nigerian universities on the use of fabrication laboratories.

According to him, the recycling micro-plant aligns with broader goals of environmental protection, entrepreneurship, and skills development.

“What is often seen as waste can become wealth,” he said, stressing the need for innovation in addressing environmental and economic challenges.

Mr Dogo expressed concern over the growing problem of plastic waste across Nigerian cities and called for stronger efforts to convert waste into productive resources.

He also emphasised the role of universities in promoting vocational and entrepreneurial education that can reduce unemployment and prepare young people for the future.

The vice-chancellor disclosed that Nile University was working toward establishing a vocational skills school to equip students with practical competencies.

He said the institution remained committed to “education for impact” and highlighted its partnerships with universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.

According to him, Nile University is part of a pan-African education network with institutions across 10 countries and more than 125,000 students.

Mr Dogo stressed that universities must become centres for solving real-world problems through innovation, research, and collaboration with industry.

He assured the French embassy that the recycling facility would be properly utilised and maintained.

“Nile University will not disappoint the French embassy. We will ensure that this facility serves its purpose,” he said.

The vice-chancellor also appreciated the Nigerian government, development partners, and other stakeholders for their support of the university’s growth and educational initiatives.

 (NAN)