Prof Joshua Alabi, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has expressed serious concern over the recent position of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), describing doctorate degrees awarded by the Swiss Management Centre (SMC) as “fake.”

He made these remarks in his response to receiving an honorary degree from UPSA in recognition of his transformational leadership during his tenure as Vice Chancellor. He noted that GTEC’s sweeping characterisation fails to acknowledge the historical and regulatory context under which many Ghanaians pursued and obtained their SMC qualifications.

Prof Alabi emphasised that, at the time individuals, particularly lecturers of UPSA, enrolled in SMC doctoral programmes, the former National Accreditation Board (NAB), now GTEC, had issued forms of recognition and registration for the institution in Ghana. “Many of these professionals undertook their studies based on the assurances and information available from our national regulator,” he stated.

Prof. Alabi described it as unfair and damaging to label the qualifications of these hardworking Ghanaians as “fake,” especially when they acted in good faith, relying on the guidance and documentation provided by state institutions. He further emphasised that some of these graduates are past Vice-Chancellors, advisors to governors, Deans, Heads of departments and lecturers.

Prof. Alabi further clarified that before approving UPSA lecturers to pursue doctoral studies at SMC, the University undertook a comprehensive due diligence process. This process included:

Verification and confirmation from the former National Accreditation Board (NAB), now GTEC

Additional checks were conducted through the Swiss Embassy in Ghana

Direct follow-up and institutional verification in Switzerland

“These steps were taken meticulously to ensure that the institution met the necessary standards before any UPSA lecturer was allowed to enrol,” he said.

Prof. Alabi urged GTEC to exercise greater clarity, fairness, and sensitivity in communicating regulatory decisions, especially those with far-reaching implications for the careers and reputations of Ghanaian professionals and academics.

Prof Alabi questions GTEC's position on SMC Doctorate holders

In his response to receiving the honorary degree from the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), in recognition of the transformational leadership he provided during his tenure as Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Alabi questioned the recent position of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), which describes holders of doctorate degrees awarded by the Swiss Management Centre (SMC) as “fake.”

He expressed concern that such a sweeping characterisation overlooks the historical context within which many Ghanaians pursued and obtained their SMC qualifications, particularly the earlier recognition, registration, and assurances issued by the former National Accreditation Board (NAB). According to Prof. Alabi, such conclusions unfairly undermine the legitimate academic and professional efforts of individuals who pursued these programmes in good faith.

He further clarified that, in the specific case of lecturers from the University of Professional Studies, Accra, who enrolled on the SMC doctoral programme, comprehensive due diligence was undertaken before granting approval.

This included verification and confirmation from the then National Accreditation Board, now GTEC, as well as an additional check with the Swiss Embassy in Ghana, followed by direct institutional verification in Switzerland.

Prof Alabi emphasised that these steps were taken to ensure that the institution met the necessary standards before UPSA lecturers were permitted to enrol.