Town-Gown Relationship: A Compelling Synergy for Functional Higher Education in Nigeria

Abstract

The importance of the synergy between town and gown in achieving a functional education cannot be overemphasized. Previous studies have looked at the adequacy and relevance of the curriculum to national needs, the funding of the system, plant and facility adequacy, and learners’ psychosocial factors, but not much has been done on examining the vital roles of the host communities in achieving the laudable aims of having a functional higher education system in Nigeria. This study adopted a qualitative approach to analyzing the roles of town-gown relationships in achieving functional higher education in Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the concept of functional education in Nigeria, reviewed the implications of functional higher education in Nigeria, determined the contributions of town-gown relationships to functional higher education in Nigeria, and suggested possible ways to sustain functional education in Nigeria. Among others, it was suggested that university leaders should be encouraged to partner and collaborate with the host communities; this will foster a more functional and efficient higher education system and mutually beneficial outcomes such as capacity building, improved security, job creation, and increased economic growth and development.