Babcock University has disowned a purported First Class certificate linked to Nigerian entertainer Oderhohwo Efe, popularly known as Carter Efe, describing the document as fake, unauthorised and not issued through the institution’s official academic processes.
The disclaimer comes barely 48 hours after a resurfaced video circulated on social media in which the comedian claimed he graduated with a “First Class Upper” from the university, sparking widespread reactions online.
In a statement issued on Monday, Babcock said it had been alerted to the circulation of fraudulent documents by individuals falsely claiming affiliation with the institution and presenting purported honorary certificates and academic distinctions in its name.
According to the statement, one of the documents in circulation is a purported “Honorary Certificate” allegedly issued by the Babcock University Biochemistry Computer Club to Oderhohwo Joseph Efe, claiming he obtained a “First Class Upper.”
The university distanced itself from the document, insisting that it is false, unauthorised and did not originate from Babcock University.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Babcock University does not issue ‘Honorary Certificates’ in recognition of undergraduate academic performance,” the statement read.
It explained that academic excellence, including the award of First Class Honours, is recognised only through the university’s official degree certificate and academic transcript issued by the Office of the Registrar.
The institution further clarified that there is no academic classification known as “First Class Upper” in its grading system, stressing that the recognised classification is simply “First Class Honours.”
Babcock urged employers, educational institutions, professional bodies, government agencies, international organisations and members of the public to disregard the purported certificate and any similar document claiming to have been issued outside its established academic procedures.
It warned that anyone who knowingly produces, presents, circulates or uses forged or unauthorised academic documents to obtain employment, admission, promotion, professional recognition, immigration benefits or any other advantage could face investigation and prosecution under applicable laws relating to forgery, fraud and the falsification of academic records.
The university added that it reserves the right to institute both civil and criminal proceedings against any individual, group or organisation that unlawfully uses or misrepresents its name, logo, seal, academic credentials or any document purported to originate from the institution without authorisation.
It also directed those responsible for producing, issuing, circulating or using the alleged certificate and similar unauthorised documents to immediately cease and desist, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the integrity of its academic credentials and institutional reputation.
The institution encouraged members of the public to verify the authenticity of any Babcock University academic credential through the Office of the Registrar before relying on such documents for employment, admission or any other official purpose.