The aim of this study is to determine the way education for self-reliance can lead to lifelong learning in previously colonised countries to trigger sustainable development. The intention of the colonial education system was to train individuals for the service of the colonial powers. The colonised people were exploited and dehumanised by their colonial masters and emerged from the colonial period with knowledge that was irrelevant to their lives. This article used the qualitative research method to collect data as it provides a systematic and objective means to make valid interpretations from verbal, visual or written data in order to describe and quantify education for self-reliance in current educational circles. The literature and participants demonstrate the relevancy of education for self-reliance that would lead to lifelong learning to assist in closing the gap left by irrelevant colonial education. The study therefore indicates how the ideas of education for self-reliance can be adopted by decolonised countries to free themselves from depending on the West.