The American University of Nigeria's (AUN) innovative approach to environmental sustainability, which nurtures the local ecosystem and empowers women, was showcased during AUN President Dr. DeWayne Frazier's recent visit to the Adamawa State Environmental Protection Agency (ADSEPA) on March 11, 2025. During the visit, Dr. Frazier highlighted the outstanding achievements of AUN's 'Waste to Wealth' program, which addresses pressing environmental challenges like waste management and pollution, while creating entrepreneurial opportunities for local women to transform waste into valuable resources.
Dr. Frazier pointed out that the 'Waste to Wealth' program, a flagship initiative of the university, converts waste materials into valuable resources while empowering women in the Yola community with entrepreneurial skills. By transforming environmental challenges into economic opportunities, the program promotes sustainability and drives social and economic growth.
He emphasized that AUN's mission extends beyond academic excellence to directly benefit the local community. "Our goal is to combine our commitment to academic rigor with initiatives like 'Waste to Wealth,' which empower our students to make a tangible difference in their communities," he explained. He also highlighted the program's dual impact of addressing environmental degradation while creating economic opportunities for women, many of whom have developed thriving businesses through the initiative.
While thanking Dr. Frazier for the visit, ADSEPA Director Dr. Ibrahim Umar expressed admiration for the university's active role in environmental education and its students' critical engagement with real-world issues. "AUN students go beyond classroom learning to make meaningful contributions to the environmental challenges we face. We would love to see more of them join our efforts," he said. Dr. Umar also highlighted the broader environmental challenges in Adamawa, including illegal waste dumping and deforestation, which make initiatives like ‘Waste to Wealth’ essential for the region's future.
Reported by Pwagreno Blessing Moris