Lagos school faces collapse as plastic waste funding dwindles

In Lagos, Nigeria, a privately run school has been providing education to underprivileged children by allowing parents to pay tuition with used plastic bottles. This initiative, started by the school’s proprietor, Mbamarah, was introduced to combat the financial struggles faced by families in the area, where many live in multidimensional poverty. The school charges 10,000 naira for primary and 21,000 naira for secondary education per term, which can be paid in the equivalent of 100kg of plastic waste. Despite the success of the plastic-for-tuition program, the school is facing severe financial difficulties. Mbamarah has taken loans from banks to cover rent and staff salaries, but he is now defaulting on these repayments. The increasing volume of plastic waste collected has led to storage issues, with parents often taking excess bottles back home due to lack of space. This situation has put the school at risk of closure, which would leave many children without access to education. Parents like Musa, who rely on the school for their children's education, express deep concern over the potential shutdown. With 63% of Nigeria's population living in poverty, finding alternative schooling options would be nearly impossible for many families. The school’s future hangs in the balance as it struggles to maintain operations amidst dwindling funding and rising debts. The community's reliance on this educational initiative highlights the intersection of environmental and social issues in Lagos. As the school faces collapse, the need for sustainable funding solutions becomes increasingly urgent to ensure that children continue to receive an education and that plastic waste is effectively managed.