TWO UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN STUDENTS WINNERS OF THE FRENCH EMBASSY’S “GET CREATIVE WITH PLASTIC” CHALLENGE RECIEIVE AWARDS AT THE FRENCH INSITUTE ABUJA - A JOURNEY FROM CAMPUS ADVOCACY TO INTERNATIONAL DISTINCTION
University of Ibadan has once again affirmed its reputation as a bastion of excellence, as two of its students that won the “Get Creative with Plastic” Challenge, a competitive highlight of the Plastic Free Campus Awareness Initiative sponsored by the French Embassy Fund (FEF) receive their awards in the Writing and Music categories on Wednesday 11th June 2025.
This win tells a deeper story — one of transformation, advocacy, and leadership that began long before the spotlight.
Adekunle Julius Akorede, a 300-level student of the Department of Physiology, and Debbie Paul, a 300-level student of the Department of Environmental Health Science respectively, began their journey as volunteers in the Clean-Up Campus Drive. Working passionately to raise awareness on plastic pollution, they mobilized their peers, participated in sensitization activities, and helped shape a greener culture within the University of Ibadan community. What started as volunteerism soon evolved into creative expression. Julius entered the writing category, using powerful storytelling to highlight environmental issues and drive home the urgency of sustainable change. Debbie chose the music category, crafting lyrical messages that stirred hearts and called listeners to action. Their submissions stood out among hundreds from across campuses — driven by lived experience and sincere passion for change.
Their remarkable accomplishment was made possible through the commitment and visionary leadership of the University under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. K. O. Adebowale, FAS, mni. The initiative was strategically coordinated through the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships), Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose SAN, with unwavering support from Prof. P. O. Olapegba (DVC Administration), Prof. Aderonke M. Baiyeroju (DVC Academics), and the Registrar, Mr. G. O. Saliu.
At the heart of this success was the university’s Focal person on the FEF-UI Campus wide initiative, Prof. Aina O. Adeogun, of the Department of Zoology. From coordination through mentorship along with her team: Profs Adefisan, Ruth Adio-Moses, Drs Omogbemi, Oluyemi Adetoyi, Olufunke Adegoke and Victoria Olaoye; The Students’ Union Executive Committee under the leadership of Mr Covenant Oladele, Head, Public Relations Unit, Mrs Adejoke Akinpelu and her team and ITEMs Unit mobilized campus-wide student engagement to ensure a comprehensive campaign.
University of Ibadan leadership role as the First and the Best Nigerian University was outstanding and recognized by the FEF Initiative culminating in Prof Adeogun’s invitation as a panelist at the June 11, 2025 Breakfast Debate at the French Institute in Abuja where she set the tone for intellectual engagement and environmental discourse, and eloquently discussed the dynamics of plastic pollution and sustainability. Her clear articulation of the 3R model — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle — offered participants a practical and inspiring framework for sustainable models to reduce plastic pollution.
Thanks to such holistic coordination and leadership, the University of Ibadan recorded the highest student participation across all ten participating universities — with over 300 students engaged and more than 100 creative submissions.
The recognition extended beyond campus. As part of their prize, the winners were awarded a Creative Toolkit — including a tablet, lapel microphone, ring light, and tripod — to further support their journey as advocates and creators. They also received an exclusive invitation to be hosted by the Embassy of France in Nigeria, along with a 1-Day Training on the Plastic Waste Value Chain in Abuja.
Indeed, these achievements are not just personal achievements for Julius and Debbie — it is a testament to the power of passion, guidance, and institutional grooming and support by the University of Ibadan and reinforces our legacy of producing not just scholars, but leaders who drive change.
More than a win, it is a call to responsibility — to keep using our voices, creativity, and actions to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Plastic Wastes for a better world.
