This paper examined societal change and the pursuit of development objectives as they affect the Nigerian educational system. The introduction of western education by the combination of trade, missionary and colonial experiences was discussed as well asthe educational reforms that came during the colonial days by means of constitutional changes, implementation of the reports of various commissions and response to the moves of nationalists. The experience after independence of isolated sub-sectors of the social system as well as isolated evaluation efforts in the field of education were examined as the main issues militating against the achievement of objectives of educational reforms in Nigeria. Issues of reform evaluation and evaluation reforms, particularly in the school system were analysed. The paper concluded by recommending systemic evaluation of reforms by collaborative research and evaluation and a redirection of the effort of universities and other agencies playing key role in the funding evaluation research efforts. Regular and countrywide assessment projects that will foster decision making and facilitate policies and informed practices were recommended