Entrepreneurial University as a Sustainable Model for Higher Education in Nigeria

The sustainability of university education systems, particularly in Nigeria and other developing economies, has become increasingly threatened by declining public funding, rising enrolment, infrastructural deficits, and growing societal expectations. This position paper advances the argument that the Entrepreneurial University—a system where universities function as entrepreneurial centres through the commercialization of research, innovation, and strong industry linkages—offers a viable and sustainable alternative to overdependence on government funding. Drawing on global experiences and contextual realities of Africa and Nigeria, this position paper articulates the conceptual foundations, rationale, operational dimensions, opportunities, and challenges of the entrepreneurial university model. It further proposes policy and institutional frameworks necessary for effective implementation and argues that entrepreneurial universities can simultaneously advance academic excellence, innovation, social relevance, and financial sustainability.

Entrepreneurial University, Commercialisation of Research, Industry Linkages, University Sustainability and Higher Education.

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