UNIVERSITIES can play a vital role in shaping change in societies. They produce knowledge through research, train future decision-makers, and contribute to public awareness of issues. But not all universities are rising to challenges like this. Studies have established that efforts to integrate sustainable development into African universities’ curricula and their community engagement processes leave something to be desired. Teaching and research don’t always reflect society’s real problems. Author JACKLINE NYERERE, Senior Lecturer of Educational Leadership and Policy, Kenyatta University Climate change is another area where universities should be identifying and providing solutions. It’s a complex, politicised and global issue…