The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has released a list of 100 universities and tertiary institutions it says are not recognised in Ghana, warning students and the public to exercise caution before enrolling in them.
The development has renewed concerns about accreditation, degree recognition and the growing risk of students obtaining qualifications from institutions that are not officially approved by national regulatory authorities.
GTEC urged prospective students, parents and other members of the public to carry out proper checks before enrolling in any tertiary institution or accepting qualifications from institutions operating in Ghana.
The commission’s warning is particularly significant as more African students increasingly explore universities outside their home countries, including online and cross-border education providers.
Why university accreditation matters
Accreditation confirms that a higher education institution or programme has met standards established by the relevant regulatory authority.
For students, enrolling in an unrecognised institution can create difficulties when seeking employment, pursuing further education or applying for professional recognition.
Students planning to study in Ghana are therefore advised to verify the accreditation status of their chosen university before paying tuition or submitting personal documents.
The development also highlights the importance of strengthening awareness around degree mills and unrecognised institutions across Africa.
What students should do
Prospective students should verify the status of an institution directly with the relevant national education regulator before enrolling.
They should also confirm whether the specific programme they intend to study is accredited, rather than assuming that accreditation of an institution automatically applies to every programme it offers.
For Nigerian and other African students considering higher education in Ghana, the latest warning reinforces the need to conduct proper due diligence before making financial or academic commitments.
Source: Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), as reported by Graphic Online.
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