Abstract: This study explored tourism education as a tool for engendering socio-economic development in Rivers State, Nigeria, emphasizing its significance, challenges, and prospects. The paper acknowledged that tourism education is pivotal in fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and cultural exchange, crucial for sustainable tourism development, preserving cultural heritage, generating employment, and stimulating economic growth. It was based on this premise that the paper provides an overview on how tourism education engenders socio-economic development in Rivers State.