The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has warned universities against admitting more doctoral students than their available resources and academic supervision capacity can accommodate, cautioning that the practice could undermine the quality of postgraduate education in Ghana.
GTEC Director-General, Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, said universities must ensure that the expansion of PhD programmes is supported by qualified academic supervisors, adequate research facilities, well-resourced libraries and sufficient funding.
He made the remarks during the graduation ceremony of the African University of Communication and Business (AUCB) in Accra on Saturday, October 31, 2026. A total of 350 students graduated, including 206 undergraduates and 144 postgraduate students.
Professor Jinapor emphasised that although doctoral education plays an important role in developing researchers, university lecturers and policy experts, institutions must prioritise academic excellence over increasing student enrolment.
He stressed that doctoral qualifications require years of rigorous academic work, original research and thorough examinations, warning universities against treating PhD programmes as commercial ventures.
The GTEC chief also urged newly chartered universities to ensure that postgraduate admissions reflect their actual institutional capacity.
GTEC Calls for Technology-Driven Higher Education
Addressing the growing influence of technology, Professor Jinapor encouraged universities to modernise their teaching and research systems to prepare graduates for the changing global job market.
He identified artificial intelligence (AI), automation, big data, cybersecurity and digital platforms as key technologies transforming education, employment and economic development.
He further noted that online, blended and distance learning programmes could improve access to tertiary education but must maintain the same academic standards as traditional campus-based programmes.
According to him, accredited courses, qualified lecturers, reliable digital platforms, credible examinations and effective student support systems are essential to delivering quality online education.
He also encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning and develop digital skills while maintaining critical thinking, professional integrity and sound judgement.
GTEC Intensifies Crackdown on Unaccredited Institutions
Professor Jinapor disclosed that GTEC had stepped up public education to help students identify recognised universities and accredited tertiary learning centres.
He revealed that the Commission issued a notice in July 2026 identifying 15 unaccredited learning centres and institutions with expired accreditation. In September 2026, it published an updated list containing 110 unrecognised institutions.
The initiative is intended to protect students and parents from enrolling in unaccredited universities and programmes that may not meet Ghana’s higher education standards.
The graduation ceremony was held under the theme: “Transforming Higher Education for a Resilient Nation: Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Development.”
Meanwhile, the university’s Overall Best Graduating Student, Barbara Kafui Abram, encouraged her fellow graduates to remain determined despite academic challenges.
Drawing from her personal experience of an unsuccessful earlier attempt at tertiary education, she said perseverance and the courage to start again contributed to her eventual success.
She urged graduates not to view setbacks as failures but as opportunities to pursue better outcomes.
Source: newsthemegh.com