Deputy NaCCA boss challenges GTEC directive over use of ‘Dr.’ title

Justice Ray Achoanya Ayam, Acting Deputy Director-General of NaCCA, has rejected a GTEC directive ordering him to cease using the title “Dr.”, insisting his SMC University doctorate remains valid.

In a written response dated November 11, he said he would not abandon the title unless a court determines otherwise.

“Accordingly, and until a court of competent jurisdiction rules otherwise, I am unable to comply with the Commission’s directive,” he wrote.

He added that he would “continue to use the academic title ‘Dr.’ — a title reflecting a validly earned, lawfully conferred, and previously recognised doctoral qualification.”

Ayam argued that his stance rests on established regulatory processes, noting that his degree had earlier been recognised by the former National Accreditation Board before its merger into GTEC.

He described his approach as rooted in “administrative fairness, consistency, legality, and due process as enshrined under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023).”

He questioned what he termed inconsistencies in GTEC’s enforcement, pointing out that the Commission had recently accepted an SMC doctoral credential.

“GTEC, under your leadership, has previously issued a formal attestation validating a similar SMC doctoral credential awarded to Mr Kingsley Kwesi Kwabahson,” he stated, arguing that it was “administratively untenable” to now reject the same institution’s awards.

Ayam dismissed GTEC’s attempt to distinguish between “Doctorate of Business Administration” and “Doctor of Business Administration.”

In his words, “The attempt to distinguish between the two is academically misconceived and linguistically unfounded. The two expressions are semantically and functionally interchangeable within global higher education practice.”

Responding to concerns about his transcript, he explained that SMC uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, under which higher credit totals are normal.

He also noted that the institution’s use of both “Swiss Management Centre” and “SMC University” reflected legitimate evolution, not fraud.

He reminded GTEC that the NAB had issued a 2020 notice affirming that SMC qualifications earned by students enrolled before August 31, 2018 remained valid.

He asked the Commission to disclose any formal decision overturning that position, saying the current directive could appear “arbitrary, ultra vires, and contrary to the doctrine of legitimate expectation.”

Ayam maintained he is ready to cooperate with GTEC. However, he emphasised that he reserves all legal rights while defending what he believes to be a lawfully earned credential.