The University for Development Studies (UDS) branch of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) has thrown its full weight behind Professor Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, formally endorsing his retention as Director General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) in recognition of what it described as firm, principled and reform driven leadership.

In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Stephany A. Adongo, the association said Professor Jinapor’s stewardship of GTEC has been transformative at a time when Ghana’s tertiary education sector requires strong regulatory discipline, ethical clarity and visionary direction.

GAUA noted that as senior administrators responsible for implementing accreditation directives, ensuring institutional compliance and safeguarding governance frameworks, its members have directly benefited from consistent and decisive leadership from GTEC under Professor Jinapor.

The association highlighted Professor Jinapor’s uncompromising stance against unaccredited programmes and institutions, crediting GTEC’s renewed vigilance with protecting students from exploitation, preserving academic standards and safeguarding the international credibility of Ghanaian qualifications.

It further cited GTEC’s intervention in the proposed 25 percent fee increase at the University of Ghana in January 2026 as evidence of student centred leadership. According to GAUA, the directive ordering a reversal of the increase or risk sanctions demonstrated a clear commitment to affordability, access and social equity in tertiary education.

On governance, the administrators defended GTEC’s enforcement of statutory provisions, including recent decisions affecting leadership transitions at the University of Cape Coast. GAUA stressed that insistence on adherence to retirement age limits and institutional statutes reflects respect for the rule of law rather than institutional interference.

The association rejected what it described as divisive attempts by some groups within the tertiary sector to vilify Professor Jinapor for executing his lawful mandate, warning that such actions undermine academic integrity and accountability.

“Removing a proven reformer at this critical stage would signal a dangerous retreat from accountability and embolden mediocrity within the tertiary system,” the statement cautioned.

Consequently, the UDS GAUA branch formally endorsed Professor Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai for continued tenure as Director General of GTEC and urged the President, the Minister for Education and other relevant stakeholders to retain him in the national interest.

GAUA also called on vice chancellors, academic staff, students and support staff to engage constructively with GTEC through dialogue grounded in respect for the law and a shared commitment to quality assurance.

“The journey towards a world-class tertiary education system demands leaders who prioritise long term reform over short term pressure,” the statement concluded, reaffirming GAUA’s readiness to continue partnering with GTEC under Professor Jinapor’s leadership.