Environmental Awareness Strategies And Undergraduates’ Attitude Toward Solid Waste Disposal In Tertiary Institutions In Calabar Education Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The management of solid waste in Nigerian tertiary institutions has become a pressing environmental and public-health issue. Increasing student populations, expanding campus facilities and changing consumption patterns have led to rising quantities of plastics, foodremnants, paper, glass and other solid wastes on campuses. These materials, when poorly handled, cause blocked drains, foul odours, visual blight and heightened risk of communicable disease among students and staff. As one study of the University of Calabar noted, campus waste practices contribute directly to student health outcomes and must be addressed through coordinated strategies and infrastructure improvements (Agbor-Obun Dan, Moses, Ukpata and Akpa, 2023). Attitudes held by undergraduates their beliefs, feelings and predispositions toward environmental behaviour are central to how waste is disposed of on campuses. Research conducted in the Calabar Education Zone found that education level and exposure to environmental messages influence attitudes toward solid waste disposal; as the authors put it, It is evident that the more educated people are the more they are exposed to information about solid waste and the environment. (Arikpo, Efut & Asuquo, 2023).