LAWMA Academy concludes 2025 summer school

By Adeola Ogunrinde –

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has successfully concluded the 2025 edition of its annual Summer School Programme, organised through LAWMA Academy. The three-week intensive session, held at the agency’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 a blend of classroom lessons, practical demonstrations, and field trips aimed at deepening participants’ understanding of waste management and environmental sustainability. Pupils took part 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 learn how waste is managed within the company. In the same vein, the Lekan Bakare Foundation delivered a lecture on marine life, enlightening pupils on the dangers of ocean littering and its harmful effects on marine ecosystems.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, commended the participants. “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 said. He encouraged them to strive for excellence in all they do and prayed for their success.

A major highlight of the event was the fulfilment of the Managing Director’s pledge during the opening ceremony to make the best-performing student “One Day MD.” At the finale, Ayedun Emmanuel Ire emerged as the outstanding student and was officially announced as the lucky winner of the prestigious role.

Other notable highlights included the “Cooking without Waste” session, where overripe bananas were used to make banana pancakes, while stale bread was transformed into sweet butter bread. Olajumoke Agbetanmije, a Sustainability Analyst at 7Up Bottling Company, said the initiative aligns with their vision of raising environmentally responsible children. “To achieve this, we must catch them young, and with what LAWMA Academy is doing, they have our full support,” she stated.

Similarly, the Head of LAWMA Academy, Mrs. Bola Adewumi, encouraged the pupils to spread the knowledge they had gained, acting as ambassadors of responsible waste management in their schools and communities. Some pupils also received awards in different categories for 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. By equipping young people with tools to drive positive change in their communities, LAWMA continues to build a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens. The closing ceremony was attended by the Executive Director, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, alongside other management staff.