Four Nigerian students have emerged winners of the 2025 EPRON National Student Essay Competition on E-Waste Management, organized by the E-Waste Producer Responsibility Organization of Nigeria (EPRON) to mark this year’s International E-Waste Day.
The winners — Oluku Promise Daniel, Oluwanishola Lewis Adewunmi, Obilezo Sonia, and Odunjo Temilade — were selected from ten finalists after a rigorous screening process.
They received laptops, tablets, and school support grants for their outstanding essays promoting responsible electronic waste management.
The competition, held in partnership with IHS Nigeria, the International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and funded by the European Union, also had support from LAWMA, LASEPA, and NESREA.
It attracted 232 entries nationwide, with nearly 70 percent participation by female students. EPRON said the initiative aims to nurture young environmental leaders, promote awareness of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs), and inspire innovative solutions for e-waste recycling and the circular economy.
In the Junior Secondary category, students wrote on “Securing Critical Raw Materials for Off-Grid Renewable Energy Equipment by Advancing Circular Economy,” while the Senior Secondary category focused on “Advancing a Just Transition through Urban Mining to Secure Critical Raw Materials.”
The organization noted that the high level of female participation reflects a growing interest in green technology and environmental awareness among Nigerian girls.
This year’s global theme, “Recycle Your E-Waste: It’s Critical!”, highlights the need to recover vital elements like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth metals used in phones, solar panels, and electric vehicles.
Experts warn that millions of tons of these valuable materials are lost annually due to poor disposal practices.
Launched in 2018 by the WEEE Forum, International E-Waste Day is now the world’s largest campaign promoting responsible electronic waste management, reaching over 47 countries last year across six continents.
This year’s focus (2025 EPRON National Student Essay Competition On E-Waste Management) on Critical Raw Materials reinforces the global call to integrate e-waste recycling into renewable energy, electric mobility, and digital technology supply chains.
