An Analysis of Electronic Waste in Nigerian University: Obafemi Awolowo University as a Case Study
Keywords:
Computer waste, disposal, recycling and storageAbstract
This paper examines electronic-waste in Nigerian universities by using the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, as a case study. There is no clear policy on how computers are acquired used and how they are disposed off when they reach their end-of-life. The scenario at OAU can also be applied to other Nigerian universities. It is not only computers but also many types of equipment and research consumables that have become obsolete and constitute serious environmental nuisance to the university community. Most of the wastes contain various types of toxic materials with potential occupational and environmental health hazards to the university community. Computer waste issues are also currently being debated by environmental activists and researchers in technologically developed countries as well. Specific issues considered are disposal methods, storage facilities and waste recycling. A variety of short term and long-term measures to alleviate the e-waste problem were proposed.
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