TRANSFORMING HIGHER EDUCATION THROUGH INTERDISCIPLINARY INNOVATION: BUILDING SKILLS FOR A SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY

Abstract

This paper examines how interdisciplinary innovation in higher education can equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to address sustainability challenges. By integrating diverse disciplines such as technology, social sciences, environmental studies, and policy, universities can foster holistic problem-solving approaches. The article highlights strategies for curriculum transformation, collaborative research, and experiential learning as pathways to build resilience and prepare graduates for a sustainable society. The researchers made the following recommendations that the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) should embed sustainability competencies and interdisciplinary requirements into accreditation frameworks. and universities should create hubs for research and teaching that cut across faculties, focusing on Nigeria’s pressing challenges such as energy transitions, urban development, and food security amongst others.