The quality of any academic programme is given some enhancement when library facility is accessible. So its absence could pose a serious snag for academic programmes. Library should therefore be a necessary ingredient that should be taken on when an institution commences open or distance programme. Like in other places where distance education programme operates, library and information service in Africa is witnessing a paradigm shift since the students can be everywhere and anywhere. The difference however in the rendering the service is that while university libraries in advanced countries of the world possess the wherewithal to render a competing service to distance learners like the traditional students, African University libraries experience some drawback. The paper touches on the uncoordinated social milieu, political instability and economic downturn which joined forces together to frustrate adequate library service to distance learning programme in sub-Saharan Africa. The paper discusses the library support service an African distance education student receives as against what is supposed to be the norm; how he struggles to source for information and the price he has to pay. The modern world is known for taking advantage of the stupendous possibilities, which advanced technology, has brought. How is African University library fairing and exploiting the advantage of modern technology for distance learners. Does the scenario totally portray a gloom picture? The paper concludes by offering suggestions on what can be done to further the future cause of distance learners in Africa and make his programme less agonising in terms of provision of a viable library support service.
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