Environmental education

This study was on knowledge and attitude of uniben undergraduates towards plastic waste pollution and control. Three research questions were raised and answered during the study using frequencies and percentages. The survey research design as adopted for this study; this is because the data is collected from a sample population with specific characteristics. The opulation of the study was 43,679 Students. It comprises of the 15 faculties of the University of Benin. Out of this population two hundred and forty (240) sample was selected from the total population using randomly sampling technique. The instrument used to collect data for the study was ten items self-structured questionnaire. The instrument for the data collection was personally administered by the researcher to the respondents. The researcher explained to the respondents how to indicate their views on each item. On the basis of the findings made in the study, it can be concluded that University of Benin undergraduates possess high levels of knowledge about plastic waste pollution as well as plastic waste management and control. The researcher recommends that University of Benin should incorporate plastic waste pollution and management topics into the General Studies (GST) curriculum to strengthen students’ environmental knowledge.

This study examines the influence of environmental education on waste management practices among students at the University of Benin. Guided by four research questions, the study investigates the impact of environmental education, the relationship between environmental knowledge, attitudes, and waste management practices, the challenges hindering ef ective waste management, and the strategies that enhance sustainable practices. A survey research design was adopted, with a population of 223 students enrolled in Environmental Education. The study utilized a questionnaire titled “Influence of Environmental Education on Waste Management Practices among Students at the University of Benin” (IEEWMPASUB), and data collected from 200 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. A strong positive correlation was observed between students' environmental knowledge and their waste management habits. Key challenges identified include inadequate infrastructure, limited institutional support, financial and time constraints, and insuf icient waste collection facilities. The study also highlights ef ective strategies such as practical experience, community collaboration, curriculum integration, and digital tools in promoting sustainable waste
management. The study concludes that environmental education plays a vital role in shaping students’ waste management behaviors and recommends embedding environmental topics into academic programs, enhancing institutional support, organizing regular workshops, and fostering partnerships with environmental agencies. The study suggests further research into cross-university comparisons, long-term impacts of environmental education, and the role of socioeconomic factors in waste management practices