ALFRED TABIRU ALOA v. UNIVERSITY OF GHANA
2012
HIGH COURT
GHANA
CORAM
- HIS LORDSHIP MR. N. M. C. ABODAKPI J
Areas of Law
- Education Law
- Administrative Law
2012
HIGH COURT
GHANA
CORAM
AI Generated Summary
This case involved a PhD student suing the University of Ghana after his supervisors refused to sign his thesis. The court dismissed the student's claims, finding that he had not properly completed his research or cooperated with his supervisors as required by university regulations. The court interpreted the university's regulations purposively, holding that supervisory committees have the authority to guide and moderate PhD research to ensure quality and protect the university's integrity. The court ruled that supervisors cannot be compelled to sign a thesis if they have valid concerns about its quality or originality. This case highlights the importance of PhD students following proper procedures and working cooperatively with their supervisors throughout the research and thesis writing process.
Plaintiff, who is an employee of Ghana Education Service, had applied and was admitted by the University of Ghana/defendant, to pursue a course of study in Soil Science at the Doctor of Philosophy [PhD], level in 2001/2002, academic year.
The pliant showed that, plaintiff was required to submit a research proposal audit/study Molecular Biology course, and conduct a research into his chosen field of study.
He alleged he conducted Greenhouse and Laboratory experiment and analysis at the University’s ecological laboratory on all the objectives of the research proposal from January 2002 to December 2004, using the methodology stated in the said proposal.
Furthermore, plaintiff alleged that a Supervisory Committee was appointed to supervise his research work and that, he had met the committee, on three occasions, submitted results and photographs of his research work to the committee. And that drafts and abstracts of the thesis were submitted, and seminars were conducted as part of the course requirements, without any adverse findings from the Supervisory Committee.
In addition, plaintiff alleged his work had earned him recommendation from the Supervisory Committee, in the form of research collaboration with University of Melbourne, Australia and yet when he submitted copies of his thesis, four thesis presentation forms with the attached fee, statement, to the Dean of Graduate Studies, through the Head of Soil Science Department, in 2005 but the thesis has not been examined up to date.
The pliant in paragraph 12, 13, contain assertions of reasons why the thesis has not been signed. And in paragraph 14, plaintiff cited section 33.2(1) of the Regulation on Graduate Study and University Examination, and averred that, it has been flouted. In paragraph 15, plaintiff averred to the effect that the defendant/University be ordered to compel its employees to comply with its own regulation in respect of this dispute.
Paragraphs 12 and 13 are reproduced below:
“12: Plaintiff says further that due to some personal differences he had with his major supervisor, one Professor S.K.A. Danso, the said Professor Danso, conspired with his co-supervisors one DR Yaa Dufie Osei and withdrew their supervisory duties at the end of his research work”
And in paragraph 13, plaintiff averred:
“13: Plaintiff again avers that DR Stella Asuming – Brempong and DR John Ofosu-Anim in solidarity with his major supervisor have refused and or failed to sign the thesis to pave the way for