YABATECH’s Plastogas Hub Earns French Acclaim, Secures New Research Grant To Tackle Plastic Waste
Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has recorded another major breakthrough in research and innovation as its PlastoGas Hub project received international commendation from the French Embassy and secured a fresh National Research Fund (NRF) grant from TETFund to deepen research into sustainable plastic waste management and clean energy solutions.
The recognition came during the French Embassy Fund (FEF) Project Closure Ceremony held at the French Embassy in Abuja on June 30, where beneficiary institutions gathered to celebrate the achievements and impact of projects supported under the French Embassy Fund.
Representing the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, the Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr. Engr. Ismaila Badmus, led the institution’s delegation, while the PlastoGas Hub team was headed by the Project Team Lead, Dr. Lauretta Nwanneka Ofodile, alongside Dr. Franca Unekwu Agamah.
At the event, YABATECH showcased the remarkable achievements of its flagship project, “Smart Plastic Collection, Recycling, Education and Training for Sustainable Energy Solutions,” an initiative designed to convert plastic waste into valuable products and cleaner energy while promoting environmental sustainability through education, skills acquisition and innovative recycling technologies.
The project attracted high praise from both internal and external evaluators, who commended its technical relevance, innovative approach, sustainability impact and capacity to provide practical solutions to Nigeria’s growing plastic pollution and energy challenges.
Among the innovations exhibited by the College were locally developed paving tiles, recycled plastic plates and syngas production technology, all of which were identified as products with significant potential for optimisation, commercialisation and large-scale societal impact.
Speaking at the ceremony, the French Attachée for Education in Nigeria, Andriamampianina Pierre, expressed the Embassy’s interest in sustaining collaboration with YABATECH to expand the project’s impact, noting that the PlastoGas Hub represents a promising model for environmental innovation and sustainable development.
The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, officials of the French Embassy Fund, and representatives of other beneficiary institutions including Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Calabar, the University of Delta and Alex Ekwueme Federal University. Representatives of the University of Lagos and Nile University, both beneficiaries of mini plastic recycling hubs supported by the French Embassy, also participated.
In another significant milestone, the YABATECH team was applauded for securing a fresh research grant under the National Research Fund (NRF) of TETFund, a development expected to accelerate research, technology development and product commercialisation under the PlastoGas Hub initiative.
The project team described the new grant as a validation of the quality and relevance of the research being undertaken by the College and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing environmentally sustainable technologies capable of addressing national development challenges.
The researchers attributed the success of the initiative to the visionary leadership of the Rector, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, and the support of the College Management for creating an enabling environment that encourages cutting-edge research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The team also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of its members, including Dr. Engr. I. Ogunyemi, Engr. Godfrey Umunna Okoye, Dr. I. Akeredolu, Dr. Rufus Abosede, Mr. Ige A. Saanu and the support staff of the PlastoGas Hub, whose dedication and teamwork were instrumental to the project’s success.
Looking ahead, the researchers disclosed that the next phase of the initiative will focus on refining the existing prototypes into commercially viable products, strengthening technology development and scaling sustainable solutions capable of transforming environmental challenges into economic opportunities.
The PlastoGas Hub, they noted, stands as a testament to the power of research, innovation and international collaboration in driving sustainable development, while expressing profound appreciation to the French Embassy for funding the pioneering project.
