The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) and Hope Waddell Training Institution have emerged winners in their respective categories at an innovation presentation competition focused on tackling plastic pollution.
The event was organized by the Cross River State Ministry of Environment to mark the 2025 World Environment Day celebration.
UNICROSS secured the top position in the tertiary institution category, earning the star prize of ₦500,000 for their groundbreaking innovation on plastic waste management while University of Calabar came second with a ₦300,000 prize, and Arthur Jarvis University which ended up in the third position, receiving ₦200,000.
In the secondary school category, Hope Waddell Institution took the lead, Federal Government Girls College second while the University of Calabar Demonstration Secondary School came third.
A total of five universities and several secondary schools from across the State participated in the competition.
The winning innovation of UNICROSS, which proposed converting plastic waste into gas, coal, and other useful by-products, was widely acclaimed for its practicality, environmental friendliness, and potential to meet immediate societal needs.
Speaking during the event, held at the Metropolitan Hotel in Calabar, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Moses Osogi, said the competition aimed to identify and promote innovative approaches to a sustainable plastic waste management.
He emphasized the State’s commitment to becoming a model of environmental stewardship in Nigeria and beyond.
“The idea behind involving institutions from across the State is to foster social interaction, encourage knowledge exchange, and promote harmonious coexistence. We believe this will ignite creativity, stimulate innovation, and inspire a research-driven mindset among our students,” Osogi said.
A student of Arthur Jarvis University, Miss Obot Emanuella, expressed excitement over her school’s participation and recognition despite finishing third.
“This platform gave me exposure and boosted my confidence. It has also inspired me to continue to research so we can come top in the next edition,” she said.
The 2025 World Environment Day, with the theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally,” featured keynote addresses, educational presentations, and the much-anticipated innovation competition — all aimed at raising awareness and driving actionable solutions towards a cleaner, plastic-free future.
Source: Pedro Arikpo
