By Peter Omopo
Abeokuta, July 11, 2025 — A Professor of Organic Chemistry at Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Prof. Raphael Mordi, has called on the government at all levels to prioritise effective waste management as a key strategy for improving public health and unlocking economic opportunities.
Delivering the university’s third inaugural lecture on Friday, titled “A Journey into the Chemistry of Waste, Wealth, and Health,” Prof. Mordi criticised the current state of waste management in Nigeria, describing it as ineffective and unproductive.
According to the don, poor handling of waste materials continues to fuel environmental degradation and prevent the country from harnessing the immense benefits of what he termed “fruitful waste management.”
“Certainly, waste management in the country is not effective,” Mordi said. “In Ogun State, for instance, some of my students who undertook internships discovered that waste is neither properly separated nor managed efficiently.”
He stressed that waste, if properly sorted and treated, could serve as a source of wealth and also reduce pollution-related health risks. “Government needs to invest more in systems and technologies that support waste-to-wealth initiatives, which will also enhance public health,” he added.
Mordi also highlighted the medicinal potential of common fruits and vegetables consumed in Nigeria, such as bush mango seeds (used in preparing ogbono soup) and African Star Apple (agbalumo). He noted that these contain natural antibacterial agents that could help fight drug-resistant organisms, if properly harnessed through scientific research.
He concluded by urging policy-makers to support investment in waste management infrastructure and environmental science, emphasizing that sustainable development cannot be achieved without a healthy and pollution-free environment.
The lecture was presided over by the Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Prof. Oyedunni Arulogun, who presented a certificate of recognition to Prof. Mordi for his scholarly contributions.
