The Role of the Triple Helix Model in Advancing Science, Technology and Innovation in Colleges of Education in Nigeria

Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) are critical drivers of socio-economic development, yet Nigerian Colleges of Education have historically played a limited role in national innovation systems. This study examined the role of the Triple Helix Model and it interactions among academia, industry, and government—in advancing STEMpreneurship and STI in Nigerian Colleges of Education. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected through document analysis of national policy frameworks and strategic plans, alongside semi-structured interviews with 30 stakeholders, including college administrators, faculty, industry partners, and government policymakers. Findings revealed that existing collaborations are often sporadic, advisory in nature, and lack sustained co-creation, while barriers such as insufficient funding, weak industry linkages, bureaucratic delays, and low research capacity hinder effective Triple Helix implementation. Stakeholders recommended strategies to enhance collaboration, including the establishment of innovation hubs, structured industry partnerships, policy incentives, and curriculum integration of STEMpreneurship. The study concludes that Colleges of Education can become active contributors to Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem if institutional, industrial, and governmental synergies are strengthened. These findings have implications for policy, curriculum reform, and the promotion of applied STEM education aimed at fostering entrepreneurial and technological capacities in future educators.