By: Victor Ogunyemi

For students at the University of Ibadan, academic excellence isn’t the only path to success. A healthy environment plays a crucial role in fostering well-being and creating a foundation for effective learning. However, improper waste disposal has become an increasingly visible problem across campus, posing potential health risks and detracting from the university’s aesthetic.

Areas like the concrete pavement near Sultan Bello Hall, designated for temporary waste storage, have morphed into eyesores overflowing with unattended refuse. Similar scenes litter the Student Union Building and Faculty of Education, where piles of trash and burnt debris mar designated open spaces, transforming intended free areas into unpleasant burdens.

Beyond the unsightly nature of this issue, improper waste disposal can have serious health consequences. Overflowing bins attract pests and create breeding grounds for disease, jeopardizing the well-being of students, faculty, and staff. Furthermore, the visual impact detracts from the university’s image and creates an atmosphere that isn’t conducive to learning and growth.

While the primary responsibility for a clean campus lies with the school management, a collaborative effort is necessary. The university’s leadership needs to take decisive action by enforcing existing waste management policies and creating stricter regulations if necessary; implementing effective waste disposal systems (this includes ensuring enough designated bins throughout campus, with clear signage on proper disposal and separation for recyclables). Crucially, this should also involve providing easily accessible and portable waste bins along walkways.

The school management can organize regular cleaning schedules and ensuring their efficient execution and also invest  in resources like providing adequate funding for proper waste management infrastructure and personnel.

Individual responsibility is equally crucial. Students and business owners must commit to responsible waste disposal by utilizing designated bins and avoiding littering and also reporting overflowing bins or improper disposal practices to the relevant authorities.

Benefits of Proper Refuse Disposal

Beyond addressing the immediate problems, effective waste management offers a multitude of benefits:

• Environmental Health: It prevents the spread of diseases, minimizes pollution, and controls pests, safeguarding both human and environmental health.

• Aesthetics: Well-maintained waste disposal systems enhance the visual appeal of the campus, promoting cleanliness and contributing to a more pleasant learning environment.

• Air Quality: Effective waste disposal minimizes the release of harmful pollutants and odors, ensuring clean and breathable air.

• Community Development: Clean and well-maintained surroundings attract residents, businesses, and tourists, potentially contributing to the university’s revenue generation and overall development.

By implementing innovative solutions, engaging in awareness programs, and fostering a culture of responsible waste disposal, the University can set a positive example for the broader community, benefiting everyone beyond the campus walls.

A Beacon of Hope, the Green Campus Project

Thankfully, initiatives like the Green Campus Project offer a glimpse of hope. Launched in April 2023 by the Statewide Waste And Environment Education Foundation (SWEEP) in partnership with Recycledge and The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), this program aims to tackle the issue head-on. By raising awareness about responsible waste management and installing designated recycling bins, the Green Campus Project sets a positive example and paves the way for a cleaner, healthier learning environment.

Maintaining a clean and healthy campus requires a collective effort. Let’s hold ourselves and the University accountable to create an environment that prioritizes both academic excellence and physical well-being. By working together and supporting initiatives like the Green Campus Project, we can transform the University of Ibadan into a space that reflects our values and fosters a thriving academic community.