Nigerian school relying on plastic waste for tuition faces closure amidst financial struggles

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Morit International School in Lagos, Nigeria, faces imminent closure despite its innovative "plastic-for-tuition" initiative, which allows parents to pay school fees with plastic waste. Founded in 2010 by Patrick Mbamarah to provide education for underprivileged children, the school shifted to this unique model in 2014 to address the financial struggles of local families. Parents submit plastic bottles and sachet waste, which the school sells to recyclers to cover expenses.

However, logistical challenges threaten the program's sustainability. The school lacks storage for the collected plastic, and recyclers don't collect waste frequently, causing it to pile up. This has forced the school to limit the initiative to primary school students. Additionally, the school is struggling with loans taken to pay rent and salaries, and is severely understaffed, with only five teachers for 112 primary school students and seven for 46 secondary students.

Despite visits from Lagos government officials and pledges from non-profit organizations, no substantial assistance has been provided. Families like that of Mujanatu Musa, whose children rely on the plastic-for-tuition program, face losing access to education if the school closes. The potential closure would also affect local environmental cleanup efforts, as the initiative helps reduce plastic waste in Ajegunle.

Morit’s future remains uncertain as the school seeks financial and logistical support to continue its operations.