HIGHER EDUCATION: A CATALYST FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF GREEN ECONOMY

Abstract

 Higher education is globally acknowledged as pivotal for the development of manpower needs of society. It is the fulcrum through which human resources are nurtured for a sustainable green economy. The green economy stresses the optimal utilization of natural resources most effectively and efficiently. This study discusses higher education as a catalyst for the sustainable development of a green economy which is a framework for the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of environmental risks and ecological scarcities. The paper enumerates the role of higher education in promoting a green economy through research, innovation and leadership among others. However, no prioritized green economy ethos in the pedagogical content and inadequate professional experts in the use of green technology are factors that inhibit the attainment of sustainable development of a green economy. The study asserts that for the sustainable development of green economy, there is a need to integrate green technology in teaching, research and community services. The paper suggests that for the attainment of sustainable development of a green economy, there should be a collaboration of academia, industry, government, civil society and the mass media in the propagation of sustainable thinking, practices and green behavioural development needed to transmit to a sustainable future.