From inception of higher education in Nigeria, the quest for leading the country for attainment of Sustainable Development Goal, the Institutions of higher learning in Nigeria have been made to serve rather conflicting purposes ranging from local demand for actualisation of goals and philosophies of education and the influence of external curriculum introduced in the name of globalisation. This paper looked in to the recent historical antecedents, notions and motives of globalisation and challenges it poses in downplaying national aspirations such as inculcation of sound moral values, peaceful coexistence, nationalism, industrialisation and self- reliance. Analysis of challenges facing the entire higher education system which invariably affects the country's level of development and nationhood was analysed and in conclusion, paradigm shift from traditional academic researches to functional and applied researches in the higher institutions was advocated.

Keywords: Globalisation, Sustainable Development Goals, Research