The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has ordered the University for Development Studies (UDS) to immediately halt its weekend delivery of the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme. According to GTEC, the programme was accredited for evening delivery, and the university cannot unilaterally change the mode of delivery without prior approval. This directive was contained in a letter dated October 5, 2026, addressed to the Vice-Chancellor of UDS in Tamale.
GTEC noted with serious concern that students admitted to the evening programme were being required to migrate to weekend delivery. The Commission emphasized that the mode of delivery forms an integral part of the conditions under which accreditation is granted. GTEC's Deputy Director-General, Prof Augustine Ocloo, signed the letter on behalf of the Director-General. The Commission stated that an institution cannot alter the approved mode of delivery of an accredited programme without prior written approval.
The conversion of the programme to weekend delivery constitutes a material departure from the conditions of accreditation and regulatory non-compliance. This has implications for academic contact hours, availability of faculty, access to teaching and learning facilities, and quality assurance arrangements. GTEC has therefore directed UDS to cease the weekend delivery and restore the programme to its duly approved evening mode.
UDS is required to discontinue any arrangement requiring students to convert to weekend delivery and ensure that all affected students are restored to the approved mode without academic or financial disadvantage. The university must formally communicate the directive to all affected students and relevant academic and administrative units. Additionally, UDS must submit documentary evidence of full compliance within seven days.
GTEC warned that failure to comply within seven days may result in regulatory action, including suspension or withdrawal of the programme's accreditation and a directive to cease further admissions. The Commission emphasized that it will not recognise the continued delivery of the LLB programme in a mode that has not been duly approved. This directive aims to ensure that the university adheres to the approved conditions of accreditation.
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission's directive is a significant move to regulate the activities of tertiary institutions in Ghana. GTEC's role in ensuring compliance with accreditation conditions is crucial to maintaining the quality of education in the country. The Commission's actions demonstrate its commitment to upholding the standards of tertiary education in Ghana.
The University for Development Studies must now take immediate action to comply with GTEC's directive. By restoring the LLB programme to its approved evening mode, UDS can avoid potential regulatory consequences. The university's prompt response will help to resolve the issue and ensure that students are not disadvantaged.
Key points
- GTEC directs UDS to halt weekend LLB delivery and restore approved evening programme
- University must comply within seven days to avoid regulatory action
- Non-compliance may result in suspension or withdrawal of programme accreditation
