The Lagos State government has upgraded the scope of her waste management outfit, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), to a learning platform where knowledge on waste management can be distributed and formalised.
Unveiling the platform, ‘LAWMA Academy’ yesterday at the authority’s corporate headquarters, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu reiterated that the Academy would serve as LAWMA’s education arm to tutor and upskill interested citizens on trends in the field, while also creating a career path.
Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, stated that the academy would employ innovative approach and tools to enhance corporate and personal development among citizens.
He said, “The academy will raise the next generation of scholars and entrepreneurs via its several programmes and services.
“It aimed to promote waste literacy and hygiene waste management practices to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste.
“The academy will also impact attitudinal change for proper and sustainable waste management in Lagos.”
The governor also frowned at indiscriminate waste disposal, adding that those caught in the act will be penalised.
He stressed that throwing of waste into the drainage and other unauthorised spots were harmful to human health and the environment at large, warning those that are guilty to desist form from the act.
The event also saw the Authority unveiled LAWMA Community Marshals and LAWMA Street Captains.
Also present, First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu remarked that the initiative which also created space for children learning would enhance knowledge sustainability.
“LAWMA academy has created the hub for people to meet, learn, share innovative ideas, and adopt practices.
“Children can come around for a creative summer learning experience among many other exciting activities”
To the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, the academy would serve as a repository of information and knowledge.
“No doubt, the initiative will help to entrench the culture of sustainable waste management in the minds of the young ones and serve as a vehicle of environmental attitudinal change for the larger society”.
Earlier, Managing Director of LAWMA,Ibrahim Odumboni, clarified the admission procedures, adding that applicants are at liberty to select any course of choice.
“Interested applicants can log on to LAWMA academy website, “lawmaacademy.com”, to enrol for any programme of choice which vary from speciality programme, one day course and internship programme, amongst others.
The programme admits any category of applicants be it secondary school leavers,interns,corporate workers and prospective investors in the field e.t.c.
He noted that the programme is being implemented along with accredited partners as: University of Lagos,UNILAG; Lagos State University, LASU; Federal University of Technology, Abeokuta and LAWMA’s technical partner in the United Kingdom.
He enlightened that upon completion of a course, students will get certification from any of it partners .
