CHANGING THE LOCUS OF NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Nwogu, G.A, PhD

Abstract

Quality education is a key for improving the projections of higher income levels for individuals and for the economic progress of nations. In lieu of this, the universities around the world understand the roles they are expected to play in delivering teaching, research and community service towards development sustainability in the 21^st century. Therefore, this paper examines how the locus of Nigerian university education can be changed for sustainable development in the 21^st century. The paper starts with an introduction stating how quality education enables people to develop their attributes and skills to achieve their potentials. The paper x-rayed the history of Nigerian university education, relationship between education and sustainable development and equally discussed the challenges of university education in Nigeria. It also chronicles some positive ways of changing the locus of Nigerian university education for sustainable development in the 21^st century. The paper finally lays the premise that to change the locus of university education for sustainable development in the 21^st century, Nigeria must properly fund the university education, provide conducive learning environment, qualified teaching staff, and ensure periodic supervision, accreditation and reaccreditation of the university system.