KNOWLEDGE PRODUCTION IN NIGERIAN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AS A CRITICAL DRIVER OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The study discussed knowledge production in Nigerian tertiary institutions as a critical driver of sustainable development in Nigeria.  Depending on secondary data obtained from recognized online and print resources. The study concluded that research and innovation, curriculum development and knowledge dissemination, policy influence and advisory role, community engagement and extension services, collaboration and knowledge networks and capacity building for sustainable development are some of the critical roles of tertiary institutions in supporting knowledge production in the tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The paper also identified; inadequate research funding, poor research infrastructure, brain drain and shortage of skilled personnel, weak university–industry collaboration, inadequate policy support and governance issues, limited access to research information, high teaching loads and administrative burdens and inadequate research culture and motivation as the various challenges militating against knowledge production in the tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Based on the findings, the paper recommends that that the government and private institutions should increase research funding and financial support, upgrade research infrastructure, address brain drain and build human capacity, strengthen university–industry collaboration, enhance policy support and governance for research, improve access to research information and digital, resources, reduce teaching and administrative burdens on academics, foster a strong research culture and motivation, encourage local and context-specific research and promote collaboration among Nigerian universities