Assessing the determinants of participation in the circular plastic economy by Nigerian students
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
ISSN: 1467-6370
Article publication date: 6 June 2024
Issue publication date: 2 January 2025
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to address the critical subject of building capacity for the circular economy in the global south. It complements the literature by providing information on the role of higher education institutions in developing skills for the circular plastic economy.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a mixed method approach drawing on reflective analysis on qualitative data from 5 focus groups and 12 semi-structured interviews, and structural equation modelling of quantitative data from 151 students across 4 Nigerian Universities.
Findings
The results indicate that Nigerian university students are more likely to participate in the circular plastic economy through a high prominence of soft power features such as increased awareness, inspiration, idea generation, encouragement and capacity building.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of this study is with the sample. A larger data set, including other tertiary institutions such as private universities, polytechnics and schools of vocational studies, would strengthen the results.
Practical implications
The study underlines the importance of targeted policy interventions and pedagogic innovations to drive awareness and knowledge building among Nigeria’s youth population.
Originality/value
This study makes a novel contribution by using empirical evidence to determine the predictors of student participation in the circular plastic economy. This understanding is important for the development and implementation of appropriate policies that promote participation in the circular plastic economy. Furthermore, given the typical youthful age bracket of university students, any plans to achieve a systemic shift in the plastic value chain must involve the young generation.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the British Council Innovation for African Universities Programme. The authors would also like to thank members of the Circular Plastic Innovation Hub consortium.
Since submission of this article, the following authors have updated their affiliations: Oluwaseun Kolade is at the Sheffield, Business School, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK; Arinola Adefila is at the School of Human and Social Sciences Buckinghamshire New University High Wycombe Campus Queen Alexandra Road High Wycombe Buckinghamshire.
Citation
Okoya, S.A., Oyinlola, M., Ajala, O., Kolade, O., Adefila, A. and Akinlabi, E. (2024), "Assessing the determinants of participation in the circular plastic economy by Nigerian students", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 26 No. 1, pp. 37-62. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-04-2023-0132
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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