The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a stern warning regarding several unaccredited study centres being used by three prominent universities: the University of Cape Coast (UCC), University for Development Studies (UDS), and University of Education, Winneba (UEW).
In a statement released on Thursday, October 3, GTEC alerted the public to the risks involved in enrolling at these unaccredited centres, emphasizing that students who pursue academic programmes at such institutions do so at their own risk.
The statement outlined that UCC alone operates 91 study centres that are not accredited by GTEC. Among these centres are notable institutions such as Dreamfield International School in Sunyani, Fountainhead University College in Tema, Great Victory Academy in Bolgatanga, and Holy Child College of Education in Takoradi. Other unaccredited study centres associated with UCC include Holy Trinity Lutheran School in Kumasi, King Jesus School Annex in Koforidua, Kumasi Technical Institute in Kumasi, Mawuli School in Ho, and Tamale College of Education in Tamale. The list further includes institutions like Wa Senior High School, Zebilla Senior High School, Zenith College in Accra, Abetifi College of Education, Accra Senior High School, Ada College of Education, Agona Swedru School of Business, and Akatsi College of Education, among others.
The University for Development Studies (UDS) has been found to use 21 unaccredited study centres. These include the Tamale (Dungu Campus), Damongo Agriculture College in Damongo, Buipe Senior High Technical School in Buipe, UDS Daboya Study Centre in Daboya, Dagbon State Senior High School in Dagbon, and Evangelical Presbyterian College of Education in Bimbilla. Other centres under UDS scrutiny include Bimbilla Senior High School, UDS Kpassa Study Centre in the Oti Region, and UDS Nkwanta Study Centre in the Nkwanta-Oti Region.
Additionally, GTEC reported that the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) operates 48 unaccredited study centres. Notable centres include Manye Academy in Axim, Sefwi Wiawso Senior High Technical School in Sefwi Wiawso, Enchi College of Education, BIA Senior High Technical School in Sefwi Debiso, UEW Ajumako Campus, Kpando Senior High School in Kpando, Nalerigu Senior High School, Damongo Senior High School, and St. Martins Senior High School in Nsawam.
GTEC strongly advised parents, guardians, and prospective students to steer clear of these unaccredited centres. The commission emphasized that any credentials earned through academic programmes conducted at these centres will not be recognized by the Ghanaian educational authorities. “Applicants who pursue programmes at these centres do so at their own risk,” GTEC cautioned, reiterating the importance of verifying the accreditation status of study centres before enrollment.
Moreover, GTEC made it clear that for the upcoming 2024/2025 academic year, the commission will not acknowledge or validate academic qualifications awarded by UCC, UDS, or UEW for students who attended these unaccredited centres. This poses a significant risk to students, as unrecognized credentials could hinder their ability to secure employment, further education, or professional accreditation, among other potential consequences.
The commission’s recent actions are not without precedent. Just last month, GTEC issued a strong warning to UEW, cautioning that if the university was found to be admitting new students into unaccredited programmes, severe penalties would follow. GTEC’s warning included the possibility of publicizing the list of unaccredited centres in both print and electronic media. The commission also indicated that it might revoke the accreditation of any programmes being replicated at these centres. Additionally, GTEC suggested it would inform the National Service Secretariat (NSS) to withhold deployment of graduates from unaccredited centres for the compulsory national service requirement, which is a key part of tertiary education in Ghana.
The lack of accreditation for these centres raises significant concerns about the quality of education provided and the legitimacy of the degrees or certificates awarded. Accreditation is a process through which educational institutions and programmes are evaluated against established standards to ensure they provide a quality education that meets the needs of students and the wider society. Without this formal recognition, students risk investing time and resources into programmes that may not be respected by employers, other educational institutions, or professional bodies.
This latest development underscores the importance of transparency and regulation in the tertiary education sector. GTEC, as the regulatory authority, is responsible for ensuring that all higher education institutions adhere to strict standards to maintain the integrity of Ghana’s educational system. By identifying and publicizing these unaccredited centres, GTEC aims to protect students from enrolling in substandard programmes and to hold institutions accountable for their educational offerings.
The statement from GTEC serves as a crucial reminder for students to exercise due diligence when selecting a university or study centre. It is advisable for prospective students to verify the accreditation status of any institution or programme they are considering, ensuring that their academic efforts will be recognized both nationally and internationally.
In conclusion, GTEC’s release of the list of unaccredited study centres used by UCC, UDS, and UEW should prompt students, parents, and guardians to take careful consideration before committing to any academic programme. The risks of enrolling in an unaccredited centre are significant, and GTEC has made it clear that it will not support or recognize credentials from these institutions. As Ghana continues to strengthen its educational standards, the role of GTEC in safeguarding the integrity of tertiary education is more critical than ever.
