This study reports the out come of a primary qualitative investigation of open and distance learning system of education as a panacea to the problem of socially induced constraints on the acquisition of education, that may lead to the inability to attend higher institutions of learning, acquire certificates, become a qualified skilled worker by being able to study for the course of study chosen by the individual. A major interest of the study was to determine the perception of the recipients about what the cost effectiveness of open and distance learning system is. The study based on interviews and focus group discussions with learners, facilitators, study centre managers and guidance counsellors who were the learners support providers and stakeholders in the open and distance learning and its expected results for the learners was discussed. The study sought to investigate whether these stakeholders subscribed to the fact that the open and distance learning system of education will achieve its desired objectives or not. The survey confirms the existence of the imperative that brought about the establishment of open and distance learning institutions. The fact that many recipients confirmed that more of these types of institutions are needed suggests that the samples are of the opinions that it is an effective approach to higher education in Nigeria . From the result of the investigation, it was concluded that open and distance learning institutions are highly effective in considering the purpose of establishing them within the general framework of the education system.