Ghana Tertiary Education Commission Upholds Quality and Credibility

• The High Court quashed a directive by GTEC to invalidate doctoral degrees awarded by UNEM.
• GTEC remains committed to upholding quality and credibility in tertiary education.
• Prospective students are being cautioned to exercise due diligence when considering programmes from foreign institutions.
• GTEC has published a list of 90 unrecognised institutions across various countries.

The commission's actions against unaccredited institutions and questionable programmes are intended to protect the integrity of Ghana's tertiary education system.

The recent High Court ruling has sent shockwaves through Ghana's tertiary education system, raising questions about the validity of certain foreign qualifications. The ruling, which quashed a directive by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to invalidate doctoral degrees awarded by the Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica (UNEM), has left many wondering about the implications for academic standards in Ghana. Despite the setback, GTEC remains committed to upholding quality and credibility in tertiary education, as Director-General Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor emphasized at the investiture of Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC). The commission's actions against unaccredited institutions and questionable programmes are intended to protect the integrity of Ghana's tertiary education system. However, the recent ruling has highlighted the need for a more nuanced approach to quality assurance in tertiary education.

The Director-General of GTEC, Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, stressed that graduates must be equipped with skills relevant to the needs of the economy. This emphasis on relevance is crucial in today's fast-changing world, where universities and colleges must adapt to meet the evolving demands of the job market. The commission's commitment to supporting UCC in its mission to produce graduates of character and competence is a testament to this focus on relevance. By prioritizing academic standards and quality assurance, GTEC aims to ensure that Ghana's tertiary education system remains globally respected and competitive.

Prospective students and professionals are being cautioned by Professor Jinapor to exercise due diligence when considering programmes from foreign institutions. The recent publication of a list of 90 unrecognised institutions across various countries highlights the importance of vigilance in ensuring that academic credentials are legitimate. GTEC's efforts to protect the integrity of Ghana's tertiary education system are aimed at preventing the proliferation of substandard qualifications, which can have serious consequences for individuals and the economy as a whole.

Lawyers advising clients on academic credentials should be aware of the recent High Court ruling, which may impact the validity of certain foreign qualifications in Ghana's tertiary education system.

Source: Original reporting via Protecting Tertiary Education Integrity Remains Priority - Gtec