Two students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have earned top honours at the Youth Forum on Climate Education & Green Innovation/Solution for Greener Initiative Forum, organized by the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
Ogundipe Nurudeen Owolabi (Department of Psychology) and Kako Quareeb (Department of Chemical Engineering) emerged First Runner-Up and Second Runner-Up, respectively, for their groundbreaking green projects that tackle environmental challenges through creativity and sustainability.
The awards were presented on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, by Dr. Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos.
Innovative Green Solutions
Ogundipe Nurudeen Owolabi’s “Green Furniture Project” addresses Lagos’s growing textile waste problem by recycling discarded fabrics and used tires into eco-friendly furniture. The initiative promotes a circular economy, equips students with entrepreneurial skills, and fosters green job creation.
Kako Quareeb’s “Project FLOAT (Floating Latrine for Anaerobic Bacteria Treatment)” provides an innovative sanitation system for riverine and waterlogged communities, such as Makoko. The design converts human waste into biogas and organic fertilizer, reducing pollution and improving community health while advancing climate action.
Both innovators were mentored under the UNILAG Green Hub, a sustainability-focused initiative that supports student-led projects addressing environmental issues.
Recognizing Youth-Led Climate Action
The Youth Forum provides a platform for young innovators from tertiary institutions to showcase projects that promote renewable energy, waste management, and climate resilience. It also connects participants with mentorship opportunities and seed funding to scale their solutions.
University Commendation
Congratulating the duo, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, praised them for their “brilliance, creativity, and dedication to sustainable development.”
> “Ogundipe and Quareeb have shown that innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand,” she said. “Their achievements reflect the university’s enduring commitment to research, creativity, and social impact.”
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