The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has directed the University of Development Studies (UDS) to immediately cease delivering its accredited evening LLB programme as a weekend programme. In a letter dated October 5, 2026, GTEC ordered UDS to restore the programme to its approved evening mode of delivery. The directive was signed by Deputy Director-General Prof Augustine Ocloo on behalf of the Director-General of GTEC. This move aims to ensure compliance with accredited programme conditions.
According to GTEC, UDS was found to be delivering the LLB programme in a mode that was not duly approved. The Commission noted that students admitted to the evening programme were being required to convert to the weekend mode of delivery. GTEC emphasized that accreditation was granted based on specific academic, staffing, infrastructural, and delivery arrangements submitted by the institution and assessed by the Commission. The mode of delivery is an integral part of these conditions.
GTEC reminded UDS that altering the approved mode of delivery without prior written approval constitutes a material departure from accreditation conditions and regulatory non-compliance. The Commission expressed concern about the implications of this alteration on academic contact hours, faculty availability, access to teaching and learning facilities, quality assurance arrangements, and student admission conditions. As a result, GTEC directed UDS to cease the unauthorized delivery and restore the programme to its approved mode.
The Commission required UDS to communicate its directive formally to all affected students and relevant academic and administrative units. UDS must also submit documentary evidence demonstrating full compliance within seven days. Failure to comply may result in regulatory action, including suspension or withdrawal of programme accreditation, without further notice. GTEC will not recognize the continued delivery of the LLB programme in an unapproved mode.
GTEC's directive aims to protect the quality of education and ensure that institutions adhere to accredited programme conditions. The Commission has the authority to initiate regulatory actions against programmes that breach accreditation conditions. UDS was advised to treat this matter with urgency and seriousness to avoid further action. The university must prioritize compliance within the stipulated period.
The implications of GTEC's directive extend beyond UDS, as it sets a precedent for other institutions. The Commission's emphasis on adherence to accredited programme conditions highlights its commitment to maintaining educational standards. Institutions must ensure that they comply with accreditation conditions to avoid regulatory action. GTEC's role in monitoring and enforcing compliance is crucial in maintaining the quality of tertiary education in Ghana.
UDS must now take immediate action to comply with GTEC's directive and restore its LLB programme to the approved evening mode of delivery. The university's response will determine whether it can avoid regulatory action and maintain the accreditation of its LLB programme. By prioritizing compliance, UDS can ensure that its students receive a quality education that meets accredited standards.
Key points
- GTEC directs UDS to restore LLB programme to approved evening mode
- Unauthorized programme delivery may result in regulatory action
- Compliance with accredited programme conditions is mandatory
