DVC Urges Characterisation Of Waste

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Babajide Alo,  says it is important for any nation to always characterise its waste.

Alo made the remark last Wednesday while delivering a paper at a two-day workshop in Lagos, organised by the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON).

The theme of the paper is: “Waste Characterisation and Management’’.

Alo said the characterisation of waste would ensure proper disposal, and would help in the promotion of healthy lifestyle.

“Waste characterisation is an important tool in any current waste control method for efficient and productive management strategy,” he said.

The don classified waste into municipal, industrial and solid wastes.

“With such characterisation information, a country will know which waste is classified as hazardous, and how best it can be disposed off. We also know that it is very important that all liquid waste emanating from any production process be pre-treated, before being discharged into the environment,” Alo said.

The Chief Consultant, Integrated Chemical Works Ltd, Mr Obed Onwochei, said the practice of waste management could open additional opportunities for an entrepreneur.

“The management of waste, both for health reasons as well as economic purposes, should be of particular interest to the chemist.’’he said.

Onwochei urged the government to formulate polices that would stimulate environmental consciousness in the average Nigerian.

“The environment is one issue in which all of mankind are stakeholders and our collective interest should be evergreen,” he said.