LASU Student Wins N2m LASEPA Inter-tertiary Debate

Mary Fajana, a 300-level Mass Communication student at Lagos State University (LASU), has won the N2 million grand prize in the 2026 Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) inter-tertiary institutions debate competition. The event, themed ‘Combating Transboundary Pollution in Lagos State: A City-Level Intervention or National Effort?’, saw students from various universities present their arguments and solutions.

Eniola Abdullahi and Daniel Akinkuowo from the University of Lagos secured second and third place, winning N1 million and N500,000 respectively. The competition is designed to strengthen the collaboration between LASEPA and tertiary institutions, encouraging innovation, environmental advocacy, and fostering career interests in the environmental sector.

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LASEPA’s role is very critical, and the fact that it organised this event shows its commitment to solving environmental problems. If agencies such as LAWMA and LASEPA work together effectively, we can build a cleaner Lagos and create a healthi

Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA, highlighted the initiative's positive results, noting increased collaboration among students and the development of innovative solutions for environmental sustainability. He emphasized that debates are effective advocacy tools for amplifying environmental awareness among youth and the public.

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After the first edition, we realised that partnerships and collaboration among university students had grown significantly. Students are beginning to develop innovative solutions that can support environmental sustainability in Lagos, while also becoming more aware of environmental career opportunities.

Olanrewaju Fagbohun, Chairman of the jury and former Vice-Chancellor of LASU, commended the participants for their research and the quality of solutions presented. He urged tertiary institutions to integrate environmental awareness into their curricula to cultivate environmentally responsible graduates.

Fajana underscored LASEPA's critical role in addressing environmental challenges and praised the competition for its commitment to finding practical solutions. She called for stronger collaboration among environmental agencies, including the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), to achieve a cleaner and healthier Lagos.

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Many students here will return to their campuses and share what they have learned with their colleagues. Through media coverage and online streaming, even more people will benefit from the discussions and ideas generated.