Publication Details
Abstract
Research is one of the major functions of tertiary institutions and an important instrument for generating knowledge, addressing societal challenges and supporting evidence-based decision-making. In Nigeria, Faculties of Education occupy a strategic position in this responsibility because they conduct research into teaching and learning, educational administration, curriculum development, teacher education, educational planning, policy implementation and other challenges confronting the education system. However, the value of educational research cannot be fully realized when research findings remain in dissertations, journals, conference proceedings and institutional repositories without being applied by those responsible for educational policy and practice. Evidence from Nigeria has indicated that the utilization of university educational research findings by government and the private sector remains relatively low. This situation creates a gap between knowledge production and the practical solution of educational problems. The paper therefore examines the need to improve the utilization of research findings generated by Faculties of Education in Nigerian tertiary institutions. It argues that research should move beyond the traditional emphasis on publication and academic advancement to a stronger emphasis on research impact, policy influence and practical application. The paper recommends stronger university–government–industry partnerships, improved dissemination of research findings, increased funding for problem-oriented research, research-utilization mechanisms within institutions, capacity building in knowledge translation, and incentives for researchers whose studies produce demonstrable educational impact. The paper concludes that effective utilization of educational research findings can strengthen evidence-based educational planning, improve institutional practices and contribute significantly to solving persistent educational problems in Nigeria.