The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has successfully concluded the 2025 edition of its annual Summer School Programme, organised through the LAWMA Academy.
The three-week intensive session, held at LAWMA’s headquarters in Ijora-Olopa, brought together pupils from schools across Lagos to learn, innovate, and engage in sustainability-focused activities.
This year’s programme, themed “Saving the Planet One Step at a Time”, featured classroom lessons, practical demonstrations, and field trips designed to deepen participants’ knowledge of waste management and environmental sustainability.
Pupils participated in recycling and upcycling workshops, creating centre tables and frames from tyres, plant vases from PET bottle covers, and ottomans from PET bottles and foam. They also visited Mouka Limited, a foam and mattress manufacturer, to observe how industrial waste is managed. In addition, a lecture on marine life delivered by the Lekan Bakare Foundation enlightened participants on the dangers of ocean littering and its harmful effects on marine ecosystems.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, commended the participants, saying:
“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 encouraged them to remain committed to environmental responsibility and prayed for their success.
A major highlight of the event was the fulfilment of Dr. Gbadegesin’s pledge to give the best-performing student the opportunity to serve as “One Day MD.” At the ceremony, Ayedun Emmanuel Ire was announced as the outstanding student and officially assumed the honorary role.
Other engaging activities included a “Cooking without Waste” session, where pupils learned how to creatively reuse food items — making banana pancakes from overripe bananas and sweet butter bread from stale bread.
Partners also lent their voices in support of the initiative. Olajumoke Agbetanmije, a Sustainability Analyst at 7Up Bottling Company, said:
“We supported the summer school to help build a society where children take responsibility for their environment. To achieve this, we must catch them young, and LAWMA Academy is doing exactly that.”
Similarly, the Head of LAWMA Academy, Mrs. Bola Adewumi, encouraged participants to spread the knowledge gained, becoming ambassadors of responsible waste management in their schools and communities.
Some pupils were recognised with awards in various categories for their outstanding performances during the programme.
The 2025 Summer School Programme, the fifth in the series, marks another milestone in LAWMA’s commitment to environmental education, equipping young people with the tools to drive positive change on environmental issues.
Also present at the ceremony were the Executive Director, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, alongside other management staff.