VCTU-G expressed concerns over individuals ascribing academic titles to themselves
The Vice Chancellors of Technical Universities of Ghana (VCTU-G) have issued a strong statement condemning the growing misuse of unacquired academic titles and honorary degrees, describing it as a threat to the integrity of Ghana’s tertiary education system.
The statement, signed by Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, Chairman of VCTU-G, comes on the back of recent efforts by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to crack down on individuals falsely claiming academic titles, particularly doctoral degrees.
VCTU-G expressed deep concern over the increasing trend of individuals ascribing academic titles to themselves without undergoing the rigorous academic processes required.
According to the statement, this practice undermines the credibility of Ghanaian institutions and risks devaluing the country’s academic qualifications on the global stage.
“The explosion of unacquired academic titles in official, professional, and public circles not only undermines the epistemic credibility of our institutions but also risks the global devaluation of Ghanaian academic qualifications,” the statement noted.
The vice chancellors highlighted that the Technical Universities Act, 2016 (Act 922), mandates technical universities to award degrees through competence-based processes, applied research, and institutional integrity.
However, they lamented that the self-ascription of unearned titles, particularly doctoral degrees, erodes these standards.
This trend, they warned, could have “catastrophic” consequences for the long-term integrity of Ghana’s tertiary education system and its contribution to national development.
The statement also pointed to the international implications of this issue. According to the Chancellors, Ghana has built a strong reputation as a leader in tertiary education within the sub-region, producing high-calibre graduates and professionals.
However, the unchecked misuse of academic titles they noted threatens to damage this reputation, potentially leading to skepticism about the authenticity of Ghanaian academic credentials abroad.
This could negatively impact the employability and academic mobility of Ghanaian graduates globally, it noted.
To address the issue, the VCTU-G called for a robust national response. They urged institutions to verify academic qualifications for employment or promotion and encouraged governing councils to safeguard the conferral of academic honors.
The Chancellors also advised the media to refrain from platforming individuals whose academic claims cannot be verified.
While commending GTEC’s recent crackdown, the Vice Chancellors urged law enforcement agencies to assist in investigating and prosecuting fraudulent claims to deter future violations.
The statement emphasized the need for a “national reawakening” to restore values of merit, evidence-based achievement, and intellectual integrity in academic and public life.
“The values that underpin our universities are truth, rigour, and accountability; and these must not be sacrificed at the altar of status, visibility, or opportunism,” the VCTU-G declared.
The Vice Chancellors reaffirmed their commitment to defending the integrity of Ghana’s tertiary education system and called on scholars, policymakers, industry leaders, students, and the public to join in preserving the honor of the country’s academic heritage. They stressed the importance of upholding knowledge, skill, and integrity to secure a future built on credible education.
ID/GA
