The potential of distance education is widely acknowledged. The same cannot be said about its quality. It is because of misgivings on the quality of distance education that this article attempts to answer critics of higher distance education by exploring its potential in delivering quality programmes. In this attempt, the article compiles a compendium of major factors which influence the quality of distance education programmes and demonstrates how these can contribute: to the quality and effeffineness of higher distance education. The evidence presented in this article shows that distance education is as good as, and in several respects, better than coventional instructional delivery systems. It is the author's argument that higher distance education is not only now in competition with conventional higher education, but enjoys a competitive edge over the latter. The article, therefore, recommends that higher distance education should develop a culture of quality education which reflects its unique delivery system. Furthermore, distance education should strengthen those of its features which enhance its competitiveness in the delivery of higher education.
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