The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Lagos and the University of Eastern Finland is expected to drive collaborative research toward promoting recycling culture and sustainable waste management in Lagos State.

This was part of the conversation at a two-day circular economy roundtable held in Lagos to strengthen the collaboration between UNILAG and the University of Eastern Finland based on an initiative tagged, “Finland-Lagos Recycling Culture Research and Development Project”.

The theme of the meeting is ‘Circular Economy Business Models for Sustainable Environment and Global Competitiveness’.

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola stated that achieving local and global development goals requires a collaborative effort of academia, industry, and government.

“This MOU affords us the opportunity to conduct collaborative research where parties shall jointly seek opportunities to conduct scientific research and opportunities for development, innovation and enterprise in the selected activity sectors as showcased today in the circular economy roundtable,” she stated.

According to the vice-chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Research Prof. Bola Oboh, some of the key challenges facing many nations could only be tackled through joint efforts, with universities playing a key role in research.

She said tackling national challenges such as environmental pollution remained one area that called for global concern, hence the need for all stakeholders to join in the fight and proffer solutions for the way forward.

“In 2022, we began interfacing with the University of Eastern Finland to drive collaborative research and we successfully signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to officially solidify our partnership.

“This MoU affords us the opportunity to conduct collaborative research where parties shall jointly seek opportunities to conduct scientific research, development, innovation and enterprise in the selected activity sectors of the economy as showcased today in the circular economy round table. 

“Furthermore, the MoU affords shared consultancies and collaborative staff development programs, staff mobility and exchange programs where parties shall share experiences and best practices on enhancing the quality of teaching and learning.

“It will also afford a shared learning environment, and jointly conduct colloquiums, lectures, seminars, and international industrial research fairs. 

“We convene today to deliberate on the circular economy, recycling culture, and waste management in Lagos and Finland. We have invited government policymakers, industry players across the value chain, and the academia to forge a path to sustainable waste management in Lagos and Finland,“ she said.

With the partnership, the universities are saddled with the responsibility of engaging in research and development to find sustainable solutions to societal needs and enhance national development.

On his part, the representative from the Department of Environmental Science, University of Eastern Finland, Prof. Pertti Pasanen, said environmental issues such as waste or solid waste management, material efficiency, and preventive actions against the negative effects of climate change were critical to the university.

“One point in our university strategy is rooted in global challenges to which we seek solutions in our profile area, through interdisciplinary research and multidisciplinary education. In order words, UEF has a long history and tradition of environmental research and education. 

Pasanen who is also the principal investigator in the project, noted that collaboration between institutions and countries is critical in the fight against environmental pollution and global warming in a bid to achieve the much-desired environment, free from all forms of pollution.

“The ongoing international collaboration on FLR CRDP is an example of our university’s effort to participate and support other countries to develop solutions and practices for a circular economy”, he said.

One of the expectations of the MoU is the hosting of the Circular Economy Roundtable, which is part of the Foundation for Finland-Lagos Recycling Culture Research and Development Project (F- LRCRDP).