Eric Kyeh Abavare, an Associate Professor of Physics and lecturer at the Department of Physics at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has praised the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) for its efforts in tackling academic fraud. However, he also strongly urged GTEC to take decisive legal action against individuals and institutions involved in the proliferation and misuse of fake academic degrees and titles.
Mr Abavare emphasised that the growing abuse and misrepresentation of honorary doctorates and fraudulent academic certificates must not be allowed to fester.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he asserted that education is invaluable, and higher education is earned through dedication and hard work.
The academician, who also serves as the President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG)-KNUST, noted that fraudulent academic certificates threaten the credibility of higher education.
He warned that this trend could demoralise genuine individuals who are diligently working to obtain authentic credentials.
“We commend GTEC for its efforts in dealing with those using fake certificates,” he stated. “However, we are encouraging them to intensify their monitoring and regulatory role. They should also take legal action against individuals and institutions where necessary to weed these miscreants from the system. Academic fraud is a serious crime and a threat to the academic community, and as a country, we shouldn’t entertain it.”
He continued, “The era where people brandish fake academic certificates should end. Those who parade around with fake certificates to deceive the public and gain influence in media spaces and professional life must be punished to serve as a deterrent to others. It’s also important to establish proper guidelines within universities on the awarding of honorary degrees.”
Mr Abavare stressed that individuals who aspire to be referred to as “Dr” or “Professor” must put in the hard work and apply to recognised and approved institutions to earn such titles legitimately.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
