The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has clarified that temporary “visiting professor” appointments by foreign universities do not align with Ghana’s formal academic ranks, and therefore cannot entitle a lecturer to use the title “Professor” in the country.
This followed correspondence with Dr. Williams Abayaawien Atuilik of Heritage Christian University, Amasaman, who in a July 16, 2025, letter explained that Abilene Christian University (ACU) in Texas had appointed him as a Visiting Associate Professor on February 11, 2022.
He added that Lubbock Christian University, also in Texas, had on December 19, 2023, acknowledged his service as a visiting faculty member and similarly appointed him as a Visiting Associate Professor of Finance and Accounting.
GTEC, however, stated that in Ghana the academic progression to the rank of Professor follows a strict sequence: Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Professor. The commission stressed that Dr. Atuilik’s foreign appointments were “temporary in nature” and “do not align with the formal academic ranks recognised in Ghana.”
New Appointment at Heritage Christian University
After GTEC’s directive, Heritage Christian University moved to resolve the matter and formally promoted Dr. Atuilik to the rank of Associate Professor of Accounting and Finance, effective August 2025.
In a letter dated August 18, 2025, and signed by the University’s President, Dr. Samuel Twumasi-Ankrah, the institution informed GTEC of the new appointment. The letter noted that although Dr. Atuilik had earlier applied for promotion to full Professor, the University’s Appointments and Promotions Committee, guided by GTEC’s notice, approved his promotion to Associate Professor instead.
“We wish to bring to your notice that Dr. Williams Abayaawien Atuilik has been promoted to the rank of Associate Professor of Accounting and Finance by the Council of the University in accordance with the approved criteria for appointments and promotions,” the letter read.
Background of the Dispute
On June 17, 2025, GTEC wrote to Dr. Atuilik demanding evidence of his professorial appointment or for him to immediately cease using the title “Professor.” The Commission reiterated in a July 21 response that honorary or temporary academic titles—whether conferred locally or abroad—should not appear in professional or public documentation unless earned through recognised academic pathways.
“Titles that have not been formally earned through recognised academic pathways must not appear in any official, professional, or public documentation. The inappropriate use of such titles undermines the credibility of academic institutions and compromises the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system,” GTEC stated.
Following months of correspondence between GTEC, Heritage Christian University, and Dr. Atuilik, the directive has now been complied with, culminating in his promotion to Associate Professor.
Attached below is a copy of the series of communications between GTEC and Heritage University and Dr Atuilik
Who is Williams Abayaawien Atuilik?
Williams Abayaawien Atuilik?
He is Vice President and Provost of Heritage Christian University and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research at Heritage Christian University.
He is a Chartered Accountant, Barrister at Law, Chartered Tax Consultant, Chartered Banker, Chartered Economist and Chartered Economic Policy Analyst.
He is the Senior Partner of Massim Consult, a Consulting firm that provides consulting & business advisory services, audit and assurance services, research services and training services. He is also a Partner of the law firm of Akanbek, Atuilik & Associates, a firm of barristers, solicitors and tax consultants.
Williams has been involved in several consultancies through the Institute of Chartered Accountants (Ghana).
He holds the following academic qualifications: Ph.D. in Business Administration (Accounting) (Capella University, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America); Master of Science in Public Financial Management (School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS), University of London, United Kingdom); Master of Science in Business Administration (Finance) (Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Accra, Ghana); Master of Arts in Economic Policy Management (University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana) in addition to other certificates.
He is also member of many other Professional Associations.
Source: GraphicOnline
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