Yaba College of Technology's PlastoGas Hub project has received commendation from the French Embassy and secured a fresh National Research Fund grant from TETFund to advance research into plastic waste management and clean energy solutions.

The recognition came during the French Embassy Fund Project Closure Ceremony held at the French Embassy in Abuja on June 30, where beneficiary institutions gathered to review projects supported under the fund. The Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr Engr Ismaila Badmus, led YABATECH's delegation on behalf of the Rector, Dr Engr Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, while the PlastoGas Hub team was headed by Project Team Lead, Dr Lauretta Nwanneka Ofodile, alongside Dr Franca Unekwu Agamah.

At the event, YABATECH presented its project, "Smart Plastic Collection, Recycling, Education and Training for Sustainable Energy Solutions," which converts plastic waste into products and cleaner energy while promoting environmental sustainability through education and skills acquisition. Evaluators noted its technical relevance and its capacity to address Nigeria's plastic pollution and energy challenges.

The college exhibited paving tiles, recycled plastic plates and syngas production technology, which were identified as having potential for commercialisation. The French Attachée for Education in Nigeria, Andriamampianina Pierre, stated that the Embassy is interested in sustaining collaboration with YABATECH to expand the project's impact.

The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, officials of the French Embassy Fund, and representatives of other beneficiary institutions including Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Calabar, the University of Delta and Alex Ekwueme Federal University. Representatives of the University of Lagos and Nile University, both recipients of mini plastic recycling hubs under the fund, also attended.

Separately, the YABATECH team secured a new research grant under the National Research Fund of TETFund, which is expected to support further research, technology development and product commercialisation under the PlastoGas Hub initiative. The project team described the grant as validation of the research being undertaken by the college.

Team members acknowledged included Dr Engr I. Ogunyemi, Engr Godfrey Umunna Okoye, Dr I. Akeredolu, Dr Rufus Abosede and Mr Ige A. Saanu. Researchers disclosed that the next phase will focus on refining existing prototypes into commercially viable products and scaling sustainable solutions.