Thomas Adewumi University has reaffirmed its commitment to a cleaner and healthier learning environment by hosting a comprehensive sensitization programme on sanitation for both staff and students. The event, organized by the University’s Committee on Sanitation, was held across the institution’s two campuses (East and West), drawing active participation from all members of the university community.
The sensitization program, which took place in the auditoriums of both campuses, aimed to promote a culture of cleanliness and environmental consciousness while officially launching the University’s new sanitation directive — a zero-tolerance policy for dirt within the university premises.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Committee Chairperson, Mrs. Ademola Banks, Mr. Ameh Musa officially welcomed all attendees and outlined the purpose of the programme. “This sensitization marks the University’s official stance of zero tolerance to dirt across our campuses,” he said. “Everyone has a role to play, and this programme is designed to educate, enlighten, and refresh our understanding of what constitutes good environmental sanitation.”
He emphasized that the initiative was more than just a cleaning campaign but a collective call to action, urging the university community to adopt professional waste management habits, including waste separation and responsible disposal practices.
The event featured key presentations from renowned experts in environmental health and sanitation, both internally and externally invited to tackle the subject with depth and clarity. The first speaker, Sanitarian Olawuyi Oyelola Peter, Chief Environmental Health Officer, Irepodun Local Government, delivered a keynote address on the “Benefits of Keeping the Environment Clean.” In his session, he emphasized that environmental sanitation is not just a duty but a lifestyle, especially within a university setting.
He broke down important concepts including Environment, Sanitation, Environmental Sanitation, Environmentally Friendly practices, and Waste. Sanitarian Olawuyi also identified common environmental sanitation challenges on university campuses and stressed that maintaining cleanliness is a shared responsibility among students, staff, and university management.
One of the highlights of his presentation was his detailed explanation of Waste Bin Colour Coding, outlining the purpose and usage of various bin colors:
- Green Bin – Biodegradable waste
- Yellow Bin – Infectious waste
- Red Bin – Hazardous materials
- Black Bin – General waste
- Blue Bin – Recyclable waste
- Orange Bin – Radioactive waste
- Purple Bin – Cytotoxic waste
He concluded by highlighting the numerous benefits of a clean environment, including Health benefits (reduced spread of disease), Environmental protection, Economic advantages, Improved quality of life, Sustainable development, and it enhanced Educational and moral values. He challenged all members of the university to become ambassadors of cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
The second presentation was delivered by Mr. Stephen David Adesoye, Lecturer in Environmental Health Sciences at TAU, who spoke on the topic “Environmental Health and Hygiene.”
He provided a thorough introduction to environmental health and outlined key issues such as:
- Factors contributing to a poor environment
- Consequences of poor sanitation
- Types of solid waste and their impact
- Methods of Effective Waste Disposal
- Public health importance of institutional sanitation
- Components of school hygiene and sanitation
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Adesoye encouraged the university community to adopt management strategies aimed at minimizing open dumping and environmental pollutants. “A healthy environment is achievable if we all take responsibility and commit to doing the needful,” he said.
The sensitization programme was highly engaging and informative, providing the TAU community with practical insights and a renewed sense of responsibility toward campus cleanliness. It also affirmed the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability, health consciousness, and student-centered learning.
With this initiative, Thomas Adewumi University continues to champion best practices in environmental health, fostering a cleaner, healthier, and more productive academic environment for all.
