Sustainable integrated solid waste management for a university campus − A case study of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Nigeria

This study provides valuable insights into the waste composition, generation rates, and opportunities for improving the current solid management practices of a university campus in Sub-Saharan Africa. Representative points were selected within the campus to collect solid waste (SW). The SW were sampled following ASTM D5231-92. The quadrant method prescribed by ASTM D 6323 was used to reduce about 150 kg of collected waste to 50 kg. The SW samples were collected in triplicates and sorted manually to determine their composition. QGIS, a geographic information system was utilized to optimize waste collection efficiency, optimal collection points, and the number of waste bins. The average daily solid waste generation at FUTA was 952.3 kg, with polythene and paper waste constituting the largest proportions at 26 % and 24 %, respectively. The waste generation rate per capita was estimated at 0.046 kg per day. Remarkably, 81 % of the waste generated at FUTA has the potential for recycling. This offers a viable potential for promoting sustainable integrated solid waste management (SISWM). The study proposes optimising waste collection points from the initial 42 to 97, considering the proximity to buildings and transportation routes. The study did not consider fluctuations in waste generation rates and composition throughout the seasons, yet the data gathered is considered adequate for this initial survey. Lack of collaboration, adequate policies, funds, infrastructure, and political will are among the impediments to SISWM in FUTA. The introduction of colour-coded waste separation bins, and assigning different colours to specific waste types, can promote proper waste disposal and facilitate recycling. Also, engaging the university community through workshops and seminars can foster such behavioural change. Collaboration with local entrepreneurs and recycling centres is another essential aspect of this paradigm shift. Such partnerships can explore innovative solutions for upcycling polythene waste and create waste-to-wealth pathways. Initial challenges of an insufficient policy framework for university- small scale enterprises (SME) engagement and the lack of business growth models could be addressed by promoting relevant skill development and motivational tasking of the existing entrepreneurship faculty. By implementing the proposed strategies and embracing circular economy (CE) principles, FUTA can reduce its environmental impact, promote recycling, and foster a culture of sustainability and entrepreneurial value creation on campus and beyond

Risk assessment and rehabilitation potential of a millennium city dumpsite in Sub-Saharan Africa

Management of the ever-increasing generated solid waste had been a difficulty for state governments in Nigeria. The high costs connected to this waste management which had encumbered the state budget, ignorance or lack of understanding of resourceful waste management and insensitivity to environmental concerns may have led to partial neglect of this sector. This research paper is aimed at evaluating the rehabilitation potential and the risk level of Igbatoro dumpsite, an Ondo state-managed waste dumpsite which predominantly receives the waste of Akure and its environs. In determining rehabilitation/reconstruction potentials and assessing the risk of the dumpsite, an Integrated Risk Based Approach (IRBA) was considered. The Risk Index (RI) was calculated from the addition of the sensitivity index output with the attribute weightage of the twenty-seven (27) parameters studied. A total risk index of 571.58 was obtained for Igbatoro dumpsite indicating moderate hazard evaluation. Questionnaires distributed to dwellers around the dumpsite also showed that 83.6% of those interviewed agreed that the present management of the dumpsite is poor while 81.8% supported rehabilitation of the dumpsite. Hence, reconstruction of the Igbatoro dumpsite to an endurable and controlled landfill is hereby recommended

The impact of acne and facial post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on quality of life and self-esteem of newly admitted Nigerian undergraduates

Adeolu Oladayo Akinboro,1 Ogochukwu Ifeanyi Ezejiofor,2 Fatai Olatunde Olanrewaju,3 Mufutau Muphy Oripelaye,3 Olatunde Peter Olabode,4 Olugbenga Edward Ayodele,4 Emmanuel Olaniyi Onayemi3 1Dermatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; 2Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria; 3Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Obafemi Awolowo University and OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; 4Department of Internal Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria Background: Acne and facial post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation are relatively common clinical conditions among adolescents and young adults, and inflict psychosocial injuries on sufferers.Objective: To document the psychosocial and self-esteem implications of acne and facial hyperpigmentation on newly admitted undergraduates.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 undergraduates. Demographics and clinical characteristics were obtained and acne was graded using the US Food and Drug Administration 5-category global system of acne classification. Participants completed the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES), and data were analyzed using SPSS 20.Results: Mean age of acne onset was 16.24 ± 3.32 years. There were 168 (84.0%) cases categorized as almost clear, 24 (12.0%) as mild acne, 4 (2.0%) as moderate acne and 4 (2.0%) as severe acne. Acne with facial hyperpigmentation, compared to acne without hyperpigmentation, was associated with significant level of anxiety in 30 participants (26.5% vs 10.3%, p=0.004) and emotional distress in 40 (35.4% vs 10.3%, p<0.001). Acne severity correlated with total CADI score but not with total RSES score. Quality of life (QoL) was significantly reduced among acne patients with facial hyperpigmentation (1.77±1.62, vs 1.07±1.02, p<0.001) compared to those without hyperpigmentation. Acne and facial hyperpigmentation was associated with social life interference, avoidance of public facilities, poor body image and self-esteem and perception of worse disease. There was no association between gender and QoL but acne was related to a reduction of self-worth. Low self-esteem was present in 1.5%, and severe acne was associated with an occasional feeling of uselessness in the male gender. Conclusion: Acne with facial hyperpigmentation induces poorer QoL and self-esteem is impaired only in severe acne. Beyond the medical treatment of acne, dermatologists should routinely assess the QoL and give attention to treatment of facial post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation among people of color. Keywords: acne, quality of life, self-esteem, facial hyperpigmentation, undergraduate