MoE calls on GTEC to regulate the use of honorary doctorate titles
The Deputy Minister of Education in Charge of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Professor Kingsley Nyarko has called on the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to regulate the use of honorary doctorate titles in the country.
Speaking to officials of the Commission for Tertiary Education during a visit, the Education Minister said the use of honorary doctorate titles if not regulated could undermine the true essence of academic achievement in Ghana.
“While the attainment of an honorary doctorate degree is an honour and an achievement, it should not be prefixed to one’s name. If the practice continues unchecked, it could diminish the pursuit of formal graduate studies.
If obtaining a doctorate title is as easy as buying one, there would be little incentive to pursue rigorous academic study,” the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Education Minister said.
In other news, Valley View University (VVU) has conferred honorary doctorate degrees on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at its 31st congregation held on its campus at Oyibi in the Kpone Katamanso Municipality in the Greater Accra Region.
A citation accompanying the conferment of the degree on Akufo-Addo cited his contribution to education and socio-economic development in Ghana and the sub-region as well as his unwavering desire to build an educated populace in the country.
Addressing the congregation, President Akufo-Addo said “It is with considerable gratitude and sincere humility that I appear before you today, honoured to receive this prestigious honorary doctorate from Valley View University.”
The President highlighted the shared values and vision that he and Valley View University uphold for the future of Ghana and emphasised that the recognition would inspire him to work even harder for the betterment of the nation.
President Akufo-Addo also acknowledged the achievements of the other two honorees: Kwame Osei-Prempeh, Managing Director of GOIL and Thomas Swaniker, Founder and Executive Chairman of Svani Group.
Since taking office in 2017, President Akufo-Addo said his government has presented charters to seven private tertiary institutions, demonstrating his government’s commitment to creating a diverse and competitive higher education landscape.
This move, according to His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa aims to meet the evolving needs of Ghanaian society by broadening access to quality education and encouraging innovation.
The conferment ceremony was a significant moment of recognition and inspiration, highlighting the essential role of education in national progress and the shared commitment to excellence that binds leaders and institutions alike.