CODAF Pushes Zero Waste Expansion as FUPRE Deepens Sustainability Leadership
The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, received a high-level advocacy delegation from the Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), reinforcing the University’s growing reputation as a continental leader in environmental sustainability.
The CODAF team, led by its Executive Director, Mr. Benin Richard, and the Director of Campaigns and Administration, Mr. Maimoni Ubrei-Joe, visited the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba, to discuss the scale-up of the University’s Zero Waste initiative and broaden its academic footprint. The engagement was facilitated by the Director of the Centre for Waste Management and Sustainable Resources at FUPRE, Dr. Akinyemi Ogunkeyede.
Introducing the delegation, Dr. Ogunkeyede noted that FUPRE remains one of the first universities in Africa to fully adopt and implement Zero Waste practices. He explained that the one-year partnership between the University and CODAF has not only strengthened institutional sustainability but also positioned FUPRE as a model for higher institutions across the continent.
CODAF’s Executive Director, Mr. Richard, commended the Vice Chancellor for consolidating the Zero Waste project inherited from his predecessor. He announced the successful completion of the first phase of the initiative and revealed that CODAF is prepared to support FUPRE in developing a postgraduate program in Zero Waste. According to him, the organization is ready to collaborate in designing both academic and certificate-level curricula that can equip specialists and practitioners for the growing sustainability sector.
Responding, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Agbalagba, reiterated his commitment to strengthening environmentally responsible programs within the University. Describing himself as an Environmentalist, he said he would continue to endorse initiatives that promote conservation and reduce institutional costs associated with waste management. He assured the delegation that the proposed Zero Waste academic program would receive full institutional backing to commence as soon as possible.
The advocacy visit reflects the sustained partnership between FUPRE and CODAF and underscores ongoing efforts to expand environmental innovation, deepen sustainability education, and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to produce experts for a low-waste, climate-resilient future.