PRACTICES AMONG STUDENTS

This study examines the influence of environmental education on waste management practicesamong students at the University of Benin. Guided by four research questions, the studyinvestigates the impact of environmental education, the relationship between environmental knowledge, attitudes, and waste management practices, the challenges hindering ef ective wastemanagement, and the strategies that enhance sustainable practices. A survey researchdesignwas adopted, with a population of 223 students enrolled in Environmental Education. Thestudyutilized a questionnaire titled “Influence of Environmental Education on Waste Management Practices among Students at the University of Benin” (IEEWMPASUB), and data collectedfrom200 valid responses were analyzed using frequency counts and simple percentages. The findings reveal that environmental education positively influences students’ awareness, attitudes, and behaviors towards waste management, fostering responsible waste practices. Astrong positive correlation was observed between students' environmental knowledge andtheirwaste management habits. Key challenges identified include inadequate infrastructure, limitedinstitutional support, financial and time constraints, and insuf icient waste collection facilities. The study also highlights ef ective strategies such as practical experience, communitycollaboration, curriculum integration, and digital tools in promoting sustainable wastemanagement. The study concludes that environmental education plays a vital role in shapingstudents’ waste management behaviors and recommends embedding environmental topics intoacademic programs, enhancing institutional support, organizing regular workshops, andfostering partnerships with environmental agencies. The study suggests further researchintocross-university comparisons, long-term impacts of environmental education, and the roleof socioeconomic factors in waste management practices