LASIU students celebrating their victory after the summit.
By Tunji Faleye
Lagos State University (LASU) emerged as the overall winner of the 2025 Inter-Tertiary Institutions Environmental Summit organized by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA). The event, held on Tuesday at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, saw LASU clinch the grand prize of ₦1 million and a trophy.
The summit featured essay writing and debate competitions among students from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Anchor University, and St. Augustine College of Education, Akoka.
In the debate competition, LASU took the top spot, arguing in favor of the topic “Plastic Pollution and the Challenges of Just Transition in a Developing Economy: Lagos State as a Case Study.” LASUSTECH secured the second position, receiving ₦500,000 for their opposing stance, while UNILAG placed third and won ₦300,000.
For the essay competition, themed “Sustainable Development in Lagos Coastal Region: Balancing Blue Economy Expansion with Environmental Protection,” Chinoyen Ruth of UNILAG emerged first, winning ₦400,000. Her schoolmate, Oguechi Offor Anthony, took second place with ₦250,000, while David Gabriel Victor of LASUSTECH came third, earning ₦150,000.
LASUSTECH students Olugbenga Tolulope and Oladejo Eniola finished fourth and fifth, respectively, receiving certificates of participation.
Ten finalists were initially shortlisted, with five finalists later selected to present their essays before the audience.
Speaking before the competition, LASEPA General Manager, Dr. Tunde Ajayi, emphasized the summit’s importance, stating: “LASEPA deemed it necessary to organize this year’s summit to stimulate interest in young people in environmental activities and the work that we do.”
He added: “LASEPA has about 400 staff members who put in a lot of time and energy. So, it is important that we gradually and deliberately build people who can take over from us, or those who will begin to occupy this space after our time is up.”
Dr. Ajayi further highlighted the significance of youth engagement, noting that policies and ideas are often formed within the community, with young people as the driving force:
“We are excited to bring young people on board to debate, argue, present their points, and share constructive ideas on environmental protection and environmental health.”
He concluded that LASEPA’s efforts aim to ensure young minds are equipped to be responsible stewards of the environment and respect government policies.
In her keynote address, Dr. Oreoluwa Afinnih, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), commended LASEPA for the initiative. She described the summit’s theme as a “paradox of prosperity and pressure,” highlighting the tension between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Afinnih urged tertiary institutions to become living laboratories for climate solutions by producing green technologies, urban planning models, and sustainable practices.
“Whether you are in science, art, law, engineering, or business, your skills are urgently needed. You are the builders of smart cities, the defenders of clean air, and the champions of a circular economy. The work of achieving SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Sustainable Production and Consumption) rests heavily on your boldness and brilliance.
“Your platforms are powerful, your creativity is unmatched. We are calling on you to bring your full selves to this nation. Let us each take responsibility for the environment we need.” She said.
Niyi Toluwalope, Managing Director of eTranzact, represented by Adedayo Adejokun, praised the initiative, stating: “Today’s topic, which focuses on the environment, coastal areas, and the economy in Lagos State, is a testament to the incredible initiatives that the Lagos State Government continues to drive. This summit demonstrates the commitment of Lagos State Government and LASEPA to move the state forward.”
He added that eTranzact believes in innovation and sustainability as key solutions to environmental challenges.
Samuel Kapo, Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs , also applauded LASEPA for hosting a thought-provoking summit. He thanked the students for their participation and encouraged them: “Let us continue to be change agents and ambassadors of a good environment and Lagos State at large.”
The summit was attended by representatives of the Vice Chancellors of UNILAG, LASU, LASUSTECH, Anchor University, and St. Augustine College of Education, as well as students from various institutions across Lagos.
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