Assessing the Effectiveness of Sustainable Development Initiatives on Nigerian Campuses, from Policy to Practice

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives across Nigerian university campuses, analyzing the transition from national sustainability policies to practical implementation in higher education institutions. Using a mixed-methods approach that includes case studies from three universities, stakeholder interviews, sustainability assessment tools, and document analysis, the research identifies critical gaps between policy frameworks and their application. The findings reveal that while Nigerian universities demonstrate strong policy awareness and have incorporated sustainability into curricula and campus operations, they face substantial challenges in implementation, including financial constraints, inadequate technical capacity, and weak monitoring systems. The study further reveals that initiatives emphasizing community engagement and local relevance demonstrate higher success rates. This research contributes to the literature on sustainability in higher education by proposing a contextual framework for enhancing sustainability implementation in Nigerian universities and similar developing contexts, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches that connect policy objectives with institutional practices and local realities.