The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has ordered the University of Development Studies (UDS) to immediately cease delivering its accredited evening LLB programme in a weekend mode. In a letter dated October 5, 2026, GTEC directed UDS to restore the programme to its approved evening mode of delivery. The commission also instructed UDS to discontinue arrangements requiring students to convert to weekend delivery and ensure that affected students are restored to the approved mode without academic or financial disadvantage.
According to GTEC, UDS had been delivering the LLB programme in a weekend mode without prior approval, contrary to the conditions of accreditation. The commission noted that the accreditation was granted based on specific academic, staffing, infrastructural, and delivery arrangements submitted by the institution and assessed by GTEC. GTEC emphasized that the mode of delivery is an integral part of the accreditation conditions and that any changes require prior written approval.
GTEC expressed concern that the unauthorized change in delivery mode has implications for academic contact hours, faculty availability, access to teaching and learning facilities, and quality assurance arrangements. The commission reminded UDS that failure to comply with the directive within seven days may result in regulatory action, including suspension or withdrawal of the programme's accreditation.
The letter, signed by Deputy Director-General Prof Augustine Ocloo on behalf of the Director-General, instructed UDS to communicate the directive to affected students and relevant academic and administrative units. UDS is also required to submit documentary evidence of compliance within seven days. GTEC warned that failure to comply may lead to regulatory action without further notice.
GTEC emphasized that it will not recognize the continued delivery of the LLB programme in an unauthorized mode. The commission advised UDS to treat the matter with urgency and seriousness, ensuring strict compliance within the stipulated period. The directive is part of GTEC's efforts to ensure that tertiary institutions adhere to regulatory requirements and maintain academic standards.
The University of Development Studies must take immediate action to comply with GTEC's directive. The institution's failure to do so may result in severe consequences, including the loss of accreditation for the LLB programme. GTEC's directive underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the delivery of tertiary education in Ghana.
The development highlights the critical role of regulatory bodies in ensuring that tertiary institutions operate within established frameworks. GTEC's actions demonstrate its commitment to upholding academic standards and protecting the interests of students. The commission's efforts aim to promote quality education and prevent institutions from compromising academic integrity for convenience or other reasons.
Key points
- GTEC directs UDS to cease unauthorized LLB programme delivery
- UDS must restore programme to approved evening mode of delivery
- Failure to comply may result in regulatory action, including suspension or withdrawal of accreditation
