Managing innovative education in universities for the attainment of sustainable development goals in Imo state

Abstract

The study examined managing innovative education in universities for the attainment of sustainable development goals in Imo State. The  continuous technological advancement, new research findings, changes in curriculum content, recent global pandemic and  government educational policies, make innovative education in universities eminent for the attainment of sustainable development  goals. Two research questions were formulated and two hypotheses were tested in the study. The study used descriptive survey research  design. The population of the study was the two universities in Imo State. A sample of 640 lecturers was randomly selected using stratified proportionate sampling technique. Managing Innovative Education for the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals  Questionnaire (MIEASDGQ) was used for data collection. Mean, standard deviation and rank order statistics were used to answer research questions, while z-test statistics was used to test the hypothesis at 005 alpha level of significance. The findings revealed that  innovative education in universities is a major key to attaining optimum landmarks in the nation’s sustainable development goals.  Innovative education can be effectively managed in universities using a more humanistic approach, allocating budget for ICT and internet  facilities, organizing trainings, conferences and seminars, and adequate provision and maintenance of teaching and learning  facilities. The study concluded that sustainable development goals in universities are attainable using modern educational technologies  and innovations. The study recommended that university education curriculum be redesigned to embrace educational changes and  innovations; government and other stakeholders in education should adopt a more holistic and humanistic approach to the needs of  staff and students in the universities; and fund staff development programmes.