Title: Bridging Research and Practice: Enhancing the Social Impact of Higher Education Institutions
Authors: GANGBE, Mautin Oluwaseun, ABDULSALAM, Abdulmajeed Bidemi, ADIO, Ibrahim Mayowa
Volume: 10
Issue: 9
Pages: 26-39
Publication Date: 2026/09/28
Abstract:
Higher education institutions are increasingly expected to ensure that research generates measurable societal benefits through effective knowledge transfer and research translation. This study examined the influence of knowledge transfer and research translation on the social impact of higher education institutions. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, involving academic staff, research and innovation administrators, and community engagement officers from public universities in North Central Nigeria, with a sample size of 368. A multi-stage sampling techniques was adopted Two research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The instrument was validated by three experts. A 26-item questionnaire was administered to the respondents with the help of five research assistants. A 5-point rating scale was used. The instruments were subjected to face and content validity by three (3) experts. The internal consistency of the instrument was determined using Cronbach's Alpha, and reliability was determined using Pearson Product-moment coefficient and yielded a coefficient of 0.86. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and simple linear regression at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that knowledge transfer (M = 3.77) and research translation (M = 3.74) influenced the social impact of higher education institutions to a high extent. Regression analysis further showed that knowledge transfer (? = 0.250, p = 0.032) and research translation (? = 0.184, p = 0.014) had significant positive influences on institutional social impact. The study concludes that strengthening knowledge-sharing practices and translating research into practical solutions are critical to enhancing the societal relevance and sustainable contributions of higher education institutions. It recommends strengthening university-industry partnerships, institutional research translation frameworks, stakeholder collaboration, and mechanisms for monitoring the societal impact of research.