The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has concluded the 2025 edition of its annual Summer School Programme, organised through the LAWMA Academy, with pupils from across Lagos acquiring hands-on knowledge in waste management and sustainability.
The three-week intensive session, hosted at LAWMA’s Ijora-Olopa headquarters, carried the theme “Saving the Planet One Step at a Time.” It featured a mix of classroom lessons, practical demonstrations, and field trips, designed to broaden pupils’ understanding of environmental stewardship.
Participants engaged in recycling and upcycling workshops, creatively transforming waste materials into useful items such as centre tables from tyres, plant vases from PET bottle covers, and ottomans from plastic bottles and foam. They also visited Mouka Limited to learn about corporate waste management processes, while the Lekan Bakare Foundation delivered a lecture on the impact of ocean littering on marine life.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, praised the pupils for their enthusiasm, stressing the importance of nurturing environmentally conscious young people. “Our children are the future custodians of the environment. By equipping them with the right knowledge and mindset, we are investing in a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos,” he said.
A major highlight was the fulfilment of Dr. Gbadegesin’s pledge to make the best-performing participant “One Day MD.” This year, the honour went to Ayedun Emmanuel Ire, who was celebrated for his outstanding performance during the programme.
Other notable sessions included “Cooking without Waste,” where pupils learned to repurpose food items—using overripe bananas to make pancakes and turning stale bread into butter bread.
Supporting the initiative, Olajumoke Agbetanmije, Sustainability Analyst at 7Up Bottling Company, said: “To build a society where children take responsibility for their environment, we must catch them young. What LAWMA Academy is doing has our full support.”
The Head of LAWMA Academy, Mrs. Bola Adewumi, urged participants to act as ambassadors of responsible waste management in their schools and communities, while some pupils also received awards for outstanding performances in different categories.
Now in its fifth edition, the LAWMA Summer School Programme continues to strengthen environmental education, equipping young people to drive positive change on issues affecting the environment. The event was attended by LAWMA’s Executive Director, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, alongside other members of management.
