GTEC Issues Final Warning Against Misuse of Honorary Doctorate and Professorship Titles
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a strong final warning to individuals and institutions misusing honorary titles such as “Doctor” and “Professor,” calling the practice deceptive and a threat to academic integrity.
Misuse of Honorary Titles Misleads the Public
GTEC has noted an alarming rise in the use of honorary degrees and professorships by individuals who have not earned these titles through formal academic processes. According to the Commission, honorary recognitions—often awarded for contributions to society—should not be used as academic qualifications or titles, especially in formal or professional settings.
“The use of honorary titles as if they were earned academic degrees is misleading and violates the ethical standards of our educational system,” GTEC stated. The Commission added that such misuse undermines the credibility of genuine academic achievements and misinforms the public.
Legal Implications and Enforcement
GTEC cited Section 8(3)(d) of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), which mandates the Commission to regulate the use of academic nomenclature in Ghana. Individuals or institutions found guilty of misrepresenting honorary titles as earned qualifications risk legal action or sanctions from the regulatory body.
The Commission urged all educational institutions and individuals to strictly adhere to the guidelines and refrain from the unauthorized use of academic titles. It further emphasized that all genuine academic titles must be acquired through accredited institutions and recognized academic pathways.
A Call to Protect Academic Standards
As part of its broader regulatory efforts, GTEC is calling on the public and media to verify academic titles and report any misuse. It also encouraged honorary recipients to present their recognitions accurately and responsibly to avoid misleading the public.
GTEC’s action is part of an ongoing campaign to restore credibility to Ghana’s educational system and ensure that academic titles remain a reflection of true scholarly merit.
For further details, visit the official GTEC website.
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