GTEC takes on C.K. Tedam Univ lecturer Samuel Kaba Akoriyea for using unearned 'Prof' title
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), as part of its campaign to sanitise the use of unearned academic credentials in Ghana, has taken action against Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea of the C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Navrongo in the Upper East Region, for his continuous use of the unearned title of "Professor."
According to GTEC, a review of Dr. Akoriyea's submission finds "no verifiable evidence" that he has held a substantive, full-time academic position or progressed through the requisite academic ranks necessary for the legitimate conferment of the title "Professor."
The move followed a petition from a member of the public challenging the use of the academic title "Professor" by Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea.
In a letter dated September 1, 2025, signed by Deputy Director-General, Augustine Ocloo, and seen by Graphic Online, GTEC referred to a recent correspondence with the management of the C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences regarding the matter.
In response to the petition, the Commission engaged Dr. Akoriyea, who indicated that he had been promoted to the rank of Professor by the C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Navrongo.
"This claim was subsequently confirmed by your institution [C.K. Tedam Univ]" the letter stated.
GTEC in the letter, however, indicated to the management of the university that, the standard academic progression to the rank of Professor within Ghana is as follows: Lecturer → Senior Lecturer → Associate Professor → Professor.
It explained that upon review of Dr. Akoriyea's submission, the Commission finds no verifiable evidence that he has held
a substantive, full-time academic position or progressed through the requisite academic ranks necessary for the legitimate conferment of the title "Professor."
GTEC clarified that the designation "Part-Time Lecturer (Associate Professor)" does not constitute a substantive or tenured academic appointment. Such positions are typically temporary and non-tenured, offered to distinguished professionals for limited academic engagements, such as guest lectures or collaborative research. They do not carry the permanency, responsibilities, or entitlements associated with substantive academic ranks such as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Full Professor.
In light of the above, the Commission has directed the University to either "withdraw the appointment; or formally communicate to Dr. Akoriyea that the appointment was for a single term, non-tenured, and does not entitle him to use the title "Professor."
GTEC further urged the management of the university to "kindly accord this matter the necessary urgency and ensure adherence to established academic standards and protocols. The Commission further requests that your institution provides evidence of compliance with this directive by 15th September, 2025."
