Envisioning the Indigenised university for sustainable development

Purpose While the possibility of a university fostering sustainable development is present in extant literature and policy documents, idea still warrants further consideration. Therefore, this paper aims to identify nature outcomes university’s engagement with Indigenous communities perceptions knowledge systems both academic non-academic activities, what might be required foster contributions towards development. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative case study only public The Gambia was conducted, including non-university actors. Interviews focus group discussion methods were used, these enabled close collaboration between researchers participants, latter empowered describe their reality. Findings Three major sets findings emerged from analysis transcripts interviews discussions community members. These are limited university–community engagement, practices ideas for Indigenising Practical implications Particular that underpins can underscored; include: contribution on ways connecting universities, conceptualisation Indigenised university; provision insights into connectivity development; creation context subsequent studies practical steps universities take direction epistemic justice all; heightening intractability theoretical philosophical issues epistemology, ecology epistemological justice, as they reveal themselves practice, complex situations. Originality/value Matters reaching out peoples have yet find way conceptualisations This addresses gap existing by advancing possibilities emerge.