More than 800 students have been left stranded after the Ghana Tertiary Education Council (GTEC) ordered the immediate closure of Royal Nursing College at Tafo Nyhiaeso in the Ashanti Region for operating without the required accreditation.

The decisive action followed the institution’s failure to produce valid documentation proving its accreditation status during a regulatory inspection. According to GTEC, the college does not have accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council, a mandatory requirement for training nurses and midwives in Ghana.

GTEC further disclosed that the management of Royal Nursing College ignored a June 2024 directive instructing the institution to stop admitting new students until all regulatory requirements were fully met.

Despite this order, the college allegedly continued admissions, raising serious concerns about programme legitimacy, student safety, and academic standards.

Officials from GTEC visited the campus on Thursday, February 19, and conducted an inspection that lasted about an hour.

After assessing the situation, the Council announced the immediate shutdown of the institution, describing the decision as necessary to safeguard students and uphold the integrity of Ghana’s tertiary education system.

The closure triggered emotional scenes on campus, with several students reportedly breaking down in tears. Many expressed anger and frustration, saying they had recently paid school fees and were suddenly uncertain about their academic future.

In response to the situation, GTEC assured students and parents that arrangements would be made to transfer affected students to properly accredited nursing institutions.

The Council also indicated that special provisions would be considered to allow final-year students to complete their programmes with minimal disruption.

During the enforcement operation, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), who accompanied GTEC officials, reportedly took the wife of the college’s owner and some members of management in for questioning. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether formal charges will be filed.

GTEC has reiterated that compliance with accreditation and registration requirements is non-negotiable, warning that institutions operating outside the law will face strict enforcement actions.

The Council stressed that its mandate is to protect students, ensure quality assurance, and maintain academic standards across the country’s tertiary education sector, adding that similar actions will be taken against any institution found to be flouting regulatory directives.