Stop Adding Dr and Prof to Your Name After Receiving an Honorary- GTEC
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has directed honourees to desist from adding the titles Doctor (Dr) and Professor (Prof) to their names.
According to the Commission, the use of honorary titles as part of a recipient’s name creates misconceptions and misleads both the academic community and the general public.
It also deems the practice unethical as it contravenes several provisions of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), as well as other pertinent laws governing higher education in Ghana.
It explained in a statement that Honorary degrees are conferred judiciously and strategically to individuals of exceptional achievement and distinguished service, whose contributions align with and enhance the values and mission of the conferring institution.
“While the Commission acknowledges and encourages the responsible recognition of distinguished individuals by higher education institutions, it asserts that such honours should only be conferred by accredited and duly recognised institutions within the realm of Ghanaian higher education.”
It has therefore implored individuals to exercise personal responsibility and refrain from using these titles as part of their names.
“Higher education institutions are advised to exercise restraint in the conferral of these honours, as we collectively honour and promote partnerships with our stakeholders to develop and maintain the integrity of Ghanaian higher education.”
GTEC has warned that it will not hesitate to invoke its regulatory powers to sanction individuals or institutions involved if the practice continues.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
