Dr. Patrick Essien, a lecturer at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and TVET expert, emphasized that acquiring a doctorate degree requires a rigorous process, not mere fame. He expressed concern over the indiscriminate conferment of honorary doctorate degrees and professorships, particularly in Africa.
Dr. Essien’s comments were prompted by a press statement from the Malawian government regarding the misuse of honorary doctorate degrees and professorships in Malawi. The National Council for Higher Education in Malawi noted with concern the manner in which individuals were being conferred with honorary degrees by local and foreign higher educational institutions without proper justification.
Dr. Essien stressed that the situation is worrying, not only in Malawi but also in Ghana and other African countries. He argued that people are being conferred with honorary degrees without putting in the required effort and academic rigor, undermining the value and integrity of these prestigious awards.
Dr. Essien’s comments highlight the need for institutions to maintain the integrity and value of academic qualifications, ensuring they are awarded based on merit and academic achievement rather than fame or other considerations.
He called on the Ghanaian government to., Regulate institutions lacking accreditation, preventing them from awarding honorary degrees and also Prevent individuals with honorary titles from misusing them.
By doing so, Dr. Essien aims to preserve the value and integrity of academic qualifications in Ghana and beyond.
For More Details call Dr. Patrick Essien on;050986510
