This paper attempted to reveal some inadequacies inherent in the Nigerian system of education and, how the pragmatic approach to education can help solve the problems of disfunctionality of the system. It does this by explaining the aims and features of the pragmatic philosophy of education. Furthermore, the paper gave answers to two basic questions: (i) what really went wrong in the Nigerian education system? And, (ii) How did it start? The paper used education according to the needs of the society, learning by doing, life-long education, Teaching to be related to learners' interests and experience and, the promotion of democracy in schools as canon for explaining the implications of pragmatism to the Nigerian system of education. Finally it is the opinion of the writers that the inculcation of the pragmatic approach to education will help makes the Nigerian system of education functional.