Nigeria’s education system has been plagued by a mismatch between academic learning and practical skills, leading to high unemployment rates and slow industrial growth. This study examined the historical development of Nigeria’s education system, from pre-colonial to colonial era, and its impact on the country’s economic development. The study argued that the shift from vocational-based education to literacy education had led to a proliferation of higher institutions without industrial affiliation and lack of value for vocational education. The study recommended a refined curriculum that prioritizes vocational education for national growth. The study employed a qualitative research approach, using historical and descriptive methods to analyze the development of Nigeria’s education system and its impact on the country’s economic development. The study relied on secondary sources, including books, government reports, and newspaper articles.