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This article examined the university as a catalyst for sustainable development in Nigeria with particular emphasis on
the Federal University of Technology, Akure. It took into cognizance the notion of the university, its objectives and
subsequent establishment and expansion in Nigeria. The paper also examined some of the challenges plaguing the
Nigerian university system in the achievement of its objectives with emphasis on sustainable development. The place
of the university system in the nation's attainment of the position of one of the best twenty economies by the year 2020
was discussed. It further reviewed the importance of university education to the knowledge economy through
collaborations and linkages, knowledge dissemination and sharing occasioned by globalization, since no part of the
world is insulated from the current challenges facing mankind which threaten sustainable development. The paper
reviewed some of the variables that needed to be given proper consideration in order to improve the quality of
university education in Nigeria. It posited that with quality university education, the gap between Nigeria and the
developed countries of the world can be bridged. The paper concluded that through research and innovation,
university education is a veritable and dynamic source of knowledge and human capital to transform the nation and ensure sustainable development.