Antecedents of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Curriculum Implementation

This study explored the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into curriculum implementation processes using a dual methodology that combined questionnaire administration and analysis of academic program curriculum objectives. The underlying rationale was that incorporating select SDGs into relevant programs can enrich and diversify curriculum implementation processes, thereby enhancing their relevance and effectiveness. The study undertook a qualitative questionnaire survey design, and by administering a questionnaire to students and reviewing academic programme curriculum objectives, this study investigated the inclusion of aspects of SDGs in curriculum implementation processes. The sample comprised 600 students in three faculties of management studies, education, and social sciences, and 340 students filled and returned the questionnaire. The rationale was that the processes of curriculum implementation could be enriched and diversified by including contemporary aspects like some of the 17 SDGs goals in related programs. There is limited attention paid to the promotion of SDGs in curriculum development processes in Uganda’s higher education institutions (HEIs). Engaging HEIs in the pursuit of SDGs can significantly facilitate the attainment of these objectives. As centres of diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty, researchers, and community partners, HEIs possess a unique capacity to leverage their collective expertise, resources, and influence to drive SDG implementation. This espouses existing literature that the numerous gaps in higher education training, coupled with the high degree of indigenization of knowledge through geographically inclined curriculum designs and implementation, and gaps in graduate competencies and skills, call for a very diversified intervention.