The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a public notice warning prospective students, parents, guardians and the general public against enrolling in several unaccredited university learning centres and institutions whose institutional accreditation has expired.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 8, the Commission said the advisory is intended to protect prospective students from investing time and money in institutions or campuses that are not authorised to operate or whose accreditation status is no longer valid.

According to GTEC, 15 learning centres and satellite campuses operated by public universities have not been accredited by the Commission and are therefore not approved to offer tertiary programmes.

The affected centres include the University of Ghana Learning Centres in Koforidua, Cape Coast, Tamale, Ho/Tsito, Wa, Bolgatanga and Sunyani.

Also listed are the University of Education, Winneba Learning Centre at Jayee University College in Accra, the University of Education, Winneba Learning Centre at St. Theresa's College, Anaji-Takoradi, the University for Development Studies Learning Centres at Wa and Chereponi, the Takoradi Technical University Akatakyi Campus, Takoradi Technical University Butumagyebi Campus, as well as the Methodist University Ghana campuses at Tema and Wenchi.

GTEC stressed that these learning centres and campuses have not been accredited by the Commission.

In addition, the Commission announced that the institutional accreditation of 36 tertiary institutions across the country has expired.

Among the institutions affected are Abbeam Institute of Technology, Lakeside University College, Jayee University College, Zenith University College, ILMA Institute of Science and Technology, River View College, Synergies Institute, Institute of Local Government Studies, University College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies, Kings and Queens Medical College, Royal Nursing College, Holy Spirit College of Education, School of Anaesthesia, Western Hills School of Nursing, Wintech Professional Institute, Modal College, Archbishop Porter Girls' Polytechnic, and several other colleges and specialised training institutions.

The Commission indicated that these institutions currently have expired institutional accreditation and prospective students should verify their current status before seeking admission.

GTEC advised prospective students, parents and guardians to verify the accreditation status of all tertiary institutions, learning centres and academic programmes directly with the Commission before applying for admission.

The Commission warned that enrolling in unaccredited institutions or learning centres carries significant risks, including the possible loss of time, financial resources and future career opportunities.

It noted that qualifications obtained from institutions or campuses operating without the necessary accreditation may create difficulties for graduates seeking employment, professional recognition or further studies.

According to GTEC, the public notice forms part of its efforts to safeguard prospective students, prevent the spread of misinformation and protect individuals from potential exploitation within Ghana's tertiary education sector.

"This notice is issued to safeguard the public, prevent misinformation, and protect individuals from potential exploitation," the statement concluded.