Dr. Numfor Solange Ayuni - UPG Champion
Dr. Numfor Solange Ayuni holds a Doctorate in Environmental Studies from Tohoku University, Japan, which she completed in 2022. She also pursued the Interdepartmental Doctoral Degree Program for Multi-dimensional Materials Science Leaders at Tohoku University from 2019 to 2022. Her research focuses on the recycling of end-of-life vehicles, waste management, recycling, and resource recovery. In 2019, she earned a Master’s degree in Economics from Tohoku University under the African Business Education (ABE) Initiative for Youths, supported by the Government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Buea, Cameroon, in 2012.
Dr. Ayuni is a finalist of Climate Launchpad Japan 2022 and was among the top 10 for the African Green Grant Award 2022, presented by the Eleven Eleven Twelve Foundation. She has authored several journal publications on the management and recycling of end-of-life vehicles and tires. Dr. Ayuni is a member of the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) and the International System Dynamics Society. She is also a certified environmental specialist, certified design thinker, and OSHA HAZWOPER 40 Hour certified.
As the founder of The Numfor Solange Foundation, Dr. Ayuni promotes effective waste management practices in Cameroon and raises awareness within the community. Through her foundation, she has implemented various projects, including waste segregation initiatives (donating communal garbage bins for different waste categories), beach clean-ups, and educational webinars on food and biomedical waste management. Additionally, she has supported schools by donating computers, engaging in tree planting activities with students and youth, and introducing systems thinking and waste management strategies.
Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Dr. Ayuni is also a passionate gospel artist known by her stage name, Solly Bliss. She performs a range of genres, including Afro, R&B, Reggae, and Dancehall, driven by her love for God and her vision to impact the world through music and environmental work. Her songs and debut album, “Blessed Call,” along with other singles, are available on all digital platforms, including YouTube under the name Solly Bliss.