The Role of University-Community Partnerships in Advancing Pathways for Sustainable Education Management in NigeriaNigeria

This study explores the role of university-community partnerships in advancing sustainable education management in Nigeria. The research aims to identify actionable strategies for enhancing these collaborations and assessing their impact on the education sector and broader development goals. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study employed a quantitative survey with 250 respondents from public universities in Lagos State, Nigeria, and qualitative interviews with 10 community leaders and university stakeholders. The study used purposive sampling for qualitative interviews, selecting participants based on their experience in university-community partnership activities. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis, while thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative responses. The results of the study revealed Pearson’s Correlation p = 0.032 (p < 0.05) of hypothesis one, that the null hypothesis was rejected, while hypothesis two revealed regression analysis p = 0.042 (p < 0.05), which was also rejected. The qualitative findings of this study reveal several critical factors influencing the effectiveness and sustainability of university-community partnerships, trust and communication emerging as foundational components, with 60% of respondents emphasising their significance. The absence of transparent communication and mutual trust was identified as a major barrier to the successful implementation and sustainability of such collaborations, among others. Conclusively, this study has demonstrated that university-community partnerships are vital for promoting sustainable education management in Nigeria. The findings reveal that while these partnerships hold significant potential for advancing local development and education outcomes, they face critical challenges, including insufficient funding, poor communication, and cultural barriers. It was recommended in this study that Universities and community leaders should prioritise open, transparent communication channels to foster trust and understanding. Regular meetings and feedback mechanisms will ensure that both parties are aligned in their goals and expectations.