GTEC Warns Against Misuse of Honorary Titles "Doctor" and "Professor"

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a strong warning regarding the growing misuse of honorary academic titles such as Doctor (Dr) and Professor (Prof) by individuals who receive honorary degrees or awards from both local and foreign institutions.

In a recent statement, GTEC expressed concern that the indiscriminate use of these titles is misleading and poses a threat to the integrity of Ghana’s academic system.

“These practices are deemed misleading and serve to misinform both the academic community and the general public,” the Commission noted.

GTEC clarified that honorary titles do not equate to academic qualifications and should not be used as part of an individual's official name or professional identity. The Commission emphasized that such recognitions must come from accredited institutions and be granted only to individuals with extraordinary achievements aligned with the values of the awarding body.

Citing the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), GTEC reminded the public that it has the mandate to regulate the use of higher education titles and nomenclature.

“Section 8 (3) d of the Act mandates the Commission to regulate the use of titles such as 'university,' 'college,' 'Emeritus,' 'Professor,' 'Doctor,' 'Chartered,' and related terms,” the statement stressed.

GTEC urged institutions and stakeholders to exercise restraint in conferring honorary distinctions and called on individuals to take personal responsibility in avoiding the inappropriate use of such titles.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding academic standards and warned that it will not hesitate to take regulatory action against anyone or any institution whose actions may undermine the value of academic credentials or mislead the public.