GTEC demands proof of academic title from Heritage Christian University "Professor"

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a stern directive to Williams Abayaawien Atuilik of Heritage Christian University College, Amasaman, ordering him to immediately prove his academic claim to the title “Professor” or desist from using it altogether.

In an official letter to Atuilik, GTEC raised red flags about his continued use of the professorial title, warning that without legitimate documentation, it constitutes a breach of academic standards and could damage the credibility of Ghana’s higher education system.

"The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has taken note of your continued use of the academic title 'Professor,' specifically referring to yourself as Prof. Williams Abayaawien Atuilik," the Commission stated.

The letter demands that Atuilik furnish official documents confirming his appointment or promotion to either Associate Professor or full Professor rank by a recognized higher education institution. These documents must include:

• A formal appointment or promotion letter
• The name of the awarding institution
• The date the title became effective

Failure to comply, the Commission warned, would require Atuilik to immediately cease using the title "Professor" across all public and institutional platforms, including:

• Official university documentation
• University websites
• Letterheads
• Public profiles and communications

Signed by GTEC Deputy Director-General, Prof. Augustine Ocloo, the letter stressed that "the use of such titles—particularly when they lack formal academic validation—can be misleading and is inconsistent with the established academic protocols."

This move is part of GTEC’s broader clampdown on the misuse of academic titles in Ghana. The Commission has vowed to name and shame individuals who fraudulently present themselves as professors, and is considering legal action against persistent offenders.

The crackdown aims to protect the integrity of Ghana’s academic institutions and ensure that only duly appointed scholars hold and use academic titles officially.