The main purpose of this study is to undertake a systematic assessment of the provision ofrntertiary level distance education programs in Tigrai Regional State focusing on thernidentification of the strength and weakness of the program and eventually provIdernalternative solutions to the problems. The basic questions of the study revolves aroundrnissues related to policy and management of distance education, current organization ofrnstudent support service and short comings of tertiary level distance education.rnThe research methodology employed in this study was descriptive survey Accordingly, twornsets of questionnaires, were prepared, pilot tested and administered on 300 learners and 80rntutors. Where by an aggregate of 80.5% of the questionnaires were properly filled out andrnreturnedrnStructured interview was conducted with five regional and 9 study/tutorial centerrncoordinators as well as two officials from HERDA and other two officials of CTVETrnrespectively. In addition to these, relevant documents were reviewedrnUsing descriptive survey research approach, qualitative and quantitative data wererncollected and analyzed The findings of the study showed that the program was exposed tornmultiple problems such as: delay in providing TMAs and exam results, non existence ofrnwritten feedback on the assignments, the inconvenience location of the tutorial centers,rnirregular attendance of learners, lack of tutors preparedness as well as unavailability ofrntutors during the tutorial sessions, weak student support service, non existence of library,rncounseling service, and lack of adequate support from the regulatory bodies.rnBased on the research findings, some recommendations were also forwarded in the interestrnof addressing these issues. Included taking proper care and attention to prOVIde wellrnorganized student support services,' prOVIding training to coordinators and tutors,rnestablishment of different resource centers, employment of ICT as well as proper care andrnattention from the government SIde regarding the provision and organization of distancerneducation programs