The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has disclosed a list of unaccredited study centres used by the University of Cape Coast (UCC), University for Development Studies (UDS), and University of Education, Winneba (UEW).
These centres, which offer academic programs not approved by GTEC, could jeopardize the qualifications of students attending them.
GTEC has cautioned prospective students against enrolling at these centres, stating that any academic credentials awarded to students studying at these unapproved locations for the 2024/2025 academic year will not be recognized.
This move is in line with GTEC’s efforts to maintain the integrity of the country’s tertiary education system and protect students from potential academic fraud.
According to GTEC, the University of Cape Coast operates 91 unaccredited centres across the country.
Some of these centres include well-known institutions such as Dreamfield International School in Sunyani, Fountainhead University College in Tema, and Great Victory Academy in Bolgatanga.
Other notable names on the list are Kumasi Technical Institute, Mawuli School in Ho, and Tamale College of Education.
The widespread nature of these unapproved centres suggests a serious problem with compliance among some educational institutions.
The University for Development Studies, which has 21 unaccredited centres, is also facing scrutiny. Among them are locations like the Tamale Dungu Campus, Damongo Agriculture College, and Buipe Senior High Technical School.
These centres, according to GTEC, are not authorized to run degree programs and students who attend them risk their qualifications being invalid. This is a major issue for students who may not be aware of the unaccredited status of their study centres.
The University of Education, Winneba, has been found using 48 unaccredited centres.
Some of these include Manye Academy in Axim, Sefwi Wiawso Senior High Technical School, and Enchi College of Education.
These centres have been operating without the necessary approval from GTEC, and the commission has warned that this practice must cease.
The continued operation of these centres is not only a breach of GTEC’s regulations but also undermines the credibility of the university’s educational offerings.
This issue gained attention earlier this year when GTEC warned UEW about its unauthorized advertising of programs for new students at these unaccredited centres.
The Commission had given the university a deadline to halt these activities, threatening to implement strict sanctions if the situation was not rectified.
In addition to invalidating qualifications, GTEC intends to take further measures.
These include revoking the accreditation of affected programs, informing the National Service Secretariat to withhold deployment of graduates from these centres, and notifying the Students Loan Trust Fund to withdraw its services for students enrolled in these unaccredited programs.
GTEC has also warned that fresh applications for program accreditations will be suspended, a move that will further impact institutions that fail to comply.
GTEC’s action follows growing concerns about the credibility of academic programs offered at unapproved study centres.
The commission is now urging students, parents, and guardians to verify the accreditation status of institutions before enrolling. Failure to do so could lead to significant consequences for those who graduate from these unrecognized centres.
This development is a clear message from GTEC to the public, signaling its commitment to maintaining educational standards in the country.
The Commission has urged all stakeholders in the tertiary education sector to ensure compliance with established regulations to avoid further complications.
