GTEC clarifies: No university declared unapproved for distance learning

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued an urgent clarification, refuting widespread misinformation that four major public universities have been declared “unapproved places to pursue tertiary education” through distance learning.

In a statement released over the weekend, the Commission emphasised that the University of Education, Winneba; University of Cape Coast; University for Development Studies; and the University of Ghana remain fully accredited institutions. Their distance learning programmes, where properly situated and resourced, are recognised by GTEC.

However, the Commission stressed a crucial distinction: accreditation for distance learning is campus-specific and location-dependent. A study centre operating without GTEC’s specific approval—even if affiliated with an accredited parent university—is not automatically recognised.

Each centre must meet minimum standards for infrastructure, staffing, library and ICT resources, and learner support services. GTEC noted that unapproved centres have most frequently been found operating in secondary schools with inadequate facilities, company training centres lacking academic oversight, and churches or makeshift venues unfit for tertiary learning.

The Commission reaffirmed its support for distance learning as a strategic mode of education delivery, but urged institutions to regularise their centres by submitting them for inspection and approval.

Prospective students were advised to verify the approval status of any distance learning centre directly with GTEC or the relevant university’s distance education directorate.