Prof. Joshua Alabi challenges GTEC’s labeling of Swiss Management Centre doctorates as fake

Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Prof. Joshua Alabi

Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Prof. Joshua Alabi, has pushed back against the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission’s recent declaration that doctorate degrees awarded by the Swiss Management Centre are “fake,” insisting that the claim ignores the context in which many Ghanaians obtained those qualifications.

Prof. Alabi raised the concern after receiving an honorary degree from UPSA in recognition of his transformative leadership as Vice Chancellor. He argued that GTEC’s blanket classification unfairly tarnishes the credibility of professionals who pursued SMC programmes in good faith, relying on assurances once issued by the then National Accreditation Board, now GTEC.

He explained that at the time many UPSA lecturers and other professionals enrolled in SMC’s doctoral programmes, the institution had certain levels of recognition and registration in Ghana, based on documentation provided by the national regulator. “Many of these professionals undertook their studies based on the assurances and information available from our national regulator,” he stated.

Prof. Alabi said it is unjust and harmful to brand the qualifications of hardworking Ghanaians as “fake” when they acted on the guidance of state institutions. He noted that several SMC graduates currently serve as respected academics and leaders, including former Vice Chancellors, advisors to governors, Deans, Heads of Departments and lecturers.

He also revealed that UPSA conducted a thorough due diligence process before granting approval for its lecturers to pursue doctoral studies at SMC. The verification included checks with the National Accreditation Board, additional confirmation through the Swiss Embassy in Ghana and direct verification in Switzerland. He stressed that these steps were taken carefully to ensure the institution met the required standards before any lecturer enrolled.

Prof. Alabi urged GTEC to communicate regulatory decisions with clarity, fairness and sensitivity, especially when such pronouncements carry serious implications for the careers and reputations of Ghanaian professionals.