Lawyers representing the Swiss Management Center (SMC) University Alumni Association (Ghana Chapter) have formally petitioned the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) Board, seeking intervention over the recent non-recognition of SMC University degrees by the Commission’s Director-General.
The petition, submitted by Black Star Legal Services and signed by lawyer Martin L. Kpebu, calls for the reversal of what the alumni describe as the “illegal derecognition” of doctoral degrees awarded by SMC University, Switzerland. The alumni argue that their degrees were lawfully earned after completing prescribed studies and that SMC University was officially registered and recognized by Ghana’s National Accreditation Board (NAB) in 2012 and 2015 to operate as a foreign institution.
According to the petition, SMC University offered graduate programs in Ghana, including Doctor of Finance (DFin), Doctor of Management (DOM), Doctor of Political Economy (DoPE), and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), under NAB’s accreditation. The alumni association contends that the recent directive from GTEC’s Director-General contradicts previous official communications and threatens the professional standing of SMC graduates.
The petition emphasizes the need for fairness, equity, and administrative justice, urging the GTEC Board to set aside the directive and reaffirm the validity of degrees obtained under NAB accreditation. The alumni also request an official clarification to employers and the public to correct any misperceptions regarding the status of SMC University awards.
The legal team and alumni association remain open to further engagement with the GTEC Board to resolve the issue and restore confidence in Ghana’s higher education regulatory system.