JOURNAL OF EDUCATION (EKSUJOE)

FUNCTIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM: A STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND EMPLOYABILITY IN 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

The problem of unemployment in the country and employability of many Nigerian university graduates has been lingering for a long time. In a knowledge-based and skill-based economy, education plays a critical role in solving the problem. Higher education system is expected to foster in students diverse skills and abilities to cope with the demands of society jobs. However looking at the challenges of education in the 21^st century, it was observed that education courses in most education institutions do not allow room for many learning innovations, are such the denying many pre-service educators’ opportunity to develop skills needed for modern day job. 21^st century learning skills are referred to as important tools to get a better paying job. The paradigm for effective and functional teacher’s education emphasizes knowledge, skill, innovative pedagogical practices and interpersonal skill in tandem with some principles of Education for Sustainable Development {ESD}.This paper emphasizes the importance of education in promoting Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs] which include employment and poverty alleviation. The paper also highlighted some innovative learning practices that can promote the principles ESD. The strategy of ESD is to equip learners at all levels of education with knowledge and skills for sustainable development and employability. The paper further discusses the importance of fostering digital integration in higher institution programmes as a means of preparing university graduates for society jobs that demands digital skills. The paper suggests that education for sustainable development and employability should be part of educators’ initial and in-service training. It also suggests retooling of pedagogical approaches in teacher education to support sustainability with focus on the 4Cs (Critical thinking, Communication, Creativity, and Collaboration) of 21^st century learning, and taking higher education initiatives for technology in learning.